How Male-Dominated Workplaces Negatively Affect Women’s Health
If you work in a male-dominated workplace, then shattering the glass ceiling should not be your only concern. A new study from Indiana University Bloomington has found that these types of workplaces can have a negative effect on women’s health. A combination of stress factors leads to higher cortisol levels in women.
Researchers from Indiana University Bloomington presented their study at the American Sociological Association’s annual meeting. They shared that the study included 440 women who worked in male-dominated fields. This included areas such as construction and engineering. The male-dominated fields had at least 85 percent male workers.
Researchers found that women in male-dominated fields had higher levels of cortisol. It is a stress hormone that is linked to multiple health problems. High levels of cortisol that last for a long time can lead to depression, anxiety, fatigue, heart disease, insomnia, weight problems, headaches and other issues. Chronic stress can also increase the risk of diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, high blood pressure, asthma, irritable bowel syndrome and gastroesophageal reflux disease. This is why health experts warn that long-term stress can damage the human body and lead to premature death.
Women in male-dominated workplaces often face a variety of challenges that include sexual harassment, isolation and lack of support. They may face problems advancing in their careers and may be overlooked for raises. Researchers are concerned that this chronic stress can build to unhealthy levels that create long-term consequences.
Researchers are not suggesting that women avoid male-dominated workplaces or find other employment. Instead, they want to see the problems of chronic stress caused by inequality addressed. They also want women to be aware of their stress levels and how it can affect their health in the future. It is important to take steps to reduce chronic stress and not ignore the potential health problems.
Interesting post. I work in a male dominated field and it’s very “boys club” like. I try to fit in as much as I can but it is very isolating at times, and it definitely gets to me sometimes.
HI! Interesting post that fights sexism. Thanks for bringing it to the Inspire Me Monday Linky party last week.
Janice
I really never thought about these stress levels affecting overall health.I think women vs women at work can be just as stressful. But agree, that the isolation in some companies are bad. My husband is an engineer and women in the field is scarce. We have a teen daughter wanting to go into it and I can see how the stress and isolation can get to person.
wonder how companies can curb this, because telling a person to not let it get to them is not helpful.