This is something you probably already thought was true, but now there’s science to prove it: A study from researchers at Indiana University shows that women working in male-dominated fields (where the industry is at least 85% male) have higher daily stress hormone levels that could be hazardous to their health.
This study shows the physical health toll on “token women” in fields such as engineering, construction, or technology who make up less than 15% of those workforces. Sexual harassment and “social isolation” are also common but aren’t addressed as often as they should be. When women speak up, they’re thought to be “faking it” or being sensitive, and their concerns are not usually taken seriously.
The bottom line: When it comes to fixing gender ratios in different industries, tokenism can’t be the goal; integration should be.
Cover image courtesy of Shutterstock.
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