SEX-DISCRIMINATION AND THE AFFIRMATIVE-ACTION REMEDY - THE ROLE OF SEX STEREOTYPES

This paper explores the psychological phenomena of sex stereotypes and their consequences for the occurrence of sex discrimination in work s ettings. Differential conceptions of the attributes of women and men a re shown to extend to women and men managers, and the lack of fit mode l is used to explain how stereotypes about women can detrimentally aff ect their career progress. Commonly-occurring organizational condition s which facilitate the use of stereotypes in personnel decision making are identified and, lastly, data are provided demonstrating the way i n which affirmative action programs and practices can act to promote t he stereotyping of women suggesting, that rather than being a remedy f or sex discrimination, such programs might in fact be another contribu tor to the problem. Conclusions focus on the importance of attending t o the role sex stereotypes play in hindering women's career progress w hen procedures to combat sex discrimination in organizations are desig ned and implemented.