Is Masculinity A Prerequisite to Female Managerial Advancement in Pakistan?

Abstract

Global research on women in management has focused on the male managerial model or masculinity as important to female managerial advancement. This research is of significance because it demonstrates that masculinity is not a prerequisite for managerial advancement in the private sector in Pakistan. Unlike the global literature which does not place a positive value on undifferentiated individuals, undifferentiated gender identity is not a barrier to women’s managerial advancement in Pakistan. Conversely, femininity, which is valued so highly in the Pakistani society, is a deterrent to managerial advancement. This study is of significance because it also demonstrates that it has been difficult for the managerial women of Pakistan to break away from the traditional role expectations defined by their society. Gender role identity occurs as a result of rearing patterns. It is social practice that determines gender role identity. Women usually acquire a great deal of sex role learning early in their lives. Undoing that learning process takes time.