Women in Public Administration in the United States

In: Women & politics, Band 11, Heft 4, S. 85-109

Abstract

An examination of similarities & differences between women & men in high-ranking public administration positions in the US. Using questionnaire & interview data taken from 31 female (F) & 28 male (M) top administrators in 2 departments in the US federal government, 1 having traditionally F-type responsibilities, (Health & Human Services [HHS]) & the other having traditionally M-type responsibilities (Treasury [T]), findings are reported concerning socialization, education, career histories, job responsibilities, management styles, special skills, networks, life situations, job satisfaction, & social & economic origins. The data, gathered 1985-1987, reveal the respondents as a whole to be a very highly educated group, from a variety of social backgrounds, hardworking, & performing demanding, highly challenging jobs that they find very satisfying. A major finding concerns the difference in organizational culture that existed in the 2 departments. HHS not only had a higher % of Fs in top positions (16%, compared with 5% in the T), but top Fs in HHS were more comfortable identifying themselves with feminist causes & more likely to mentor other Fs. Top Fs in the T were more concerned with convincing themselves & others of their competence without reference to sex or gender. Differences between Ms & Fs surfaced in marriage & family statistics, career histories, & management styles. Structural factors suggest that the % of Fs in top administrative positions in the federal government will remain at current low levels. 4 Tables, 6 References. AA