Los Padres

In regards to the gender differences in and at work, I am proud to say that the Bay Area has established itself as a front runner in the concerted effort to neutralize these differences.

Two assumptions that I need to clarify are that a)I am a male, however I am married to a woman who continues to achieve success in business and b) These are merely my interpretations and observations. I acknowledge that others mileage can, and will vary.

While working amongst and living with women, I do see that the rapport talk communication style is more effective for callaborating and navigating through corporate politics. This communication style alone almost makes women stronger canidates for managing today's globalized work place. Furthermore, after conferring with male co-workers who remember the time when women "stayed at home", the amount of women achieving success in the Bay Area is growing by leaps and bounds. Also, I can't tell you how many times I've reached an impasse during a meeting, when a female co-worker will overcome my report talk style and achieve progress. It's almost as if men want themselves to win, while women wish for both parties to win; which essentially is the point of a successful negotiation. It's simply amazing!

This is why I believe that we are moving towards a new paradigm. One that will eventually render these "identity differences" as historical context. Consider the notion of "gender differences in work and life". The text cites examples of women staying at home to nurture and care for children and having been relegated to domestic duties. Folks, if the Bay Area is the cultural litmus paper that it is known for, then times they are a changing. I personally know several stay at home dads and frankly, I may one day consider that role myself. Why? Simple economic terms. As women achieve greater success in the workplace, the amount of high paying jobs are decreasing as greater amounts of individuals are coveting for them. So it comes down to this: women and men have almost reached an equilibrium in our regional workforce; therefore if a couple wishes to have one party stay home with the kids, the partner with the highest paying job will continue to work.

Personally, like many stay at home dads, I'm all good with cooking, cleaning the house, running errands, driving carpools and participating in the PTA. After all, if women really want the corporate life, they can have it. I love my job and all, but please; I would rather raise the kids and create art to sell for a pittance any day.


Los Padres!

-Squid