In his book titled “The Confidence Gap,” Dr. Arthur Harris explores the profound impact of the space between taking action and developing confidence.

This phenomenon is believed to impede personal development and hinder career progress. Numerous studies consistently demonstrate a discrepancy in self-esteem levels between genders, with men generally expressing greater confidence.

Research has shown that there is a difference between men and women in terms of job application behaviors. Studies indicate that women often hesitate to apply for a job if they believe they don’t meet all the specified requirements, while men tend to be more confident in their abilities and apply regardless. Nonetheless, it’s essential to recognize that competence knows no gender boundaries, and both men and women can excel in various professional roles.

Unveiling the Dynamics of Our Society

Is there a common root for the confidence gap and impostor syndrome?

Socialization and parenting practices play a crucial role in shaping individuals’ values, fostering a sense of conformity within a particular culture. Some studies have discovered a tendency for women to exhibit a greater inclination towards conformity when compared to men.

But for women, the burden is heavier to bear. Not only do they suffer the self-imposed doubt of feeling like an imposter, but societal forces and stereotypes can often cause others to second guess their abilities, compounding and reinforcing those negative beliefs…..

Impostor Syndrome Predominantly Affects Women – Here’s How We Can Overcome It
by Cheri Beranek
June 14, 2023 – Entrepreneur

Self-assurance is often admired in our society. However men are typically praised for their confidence, while women sometimes face undeserved scrutiny and criticism when demonstrating the same level of self-assurance.

As a young girl and even into my twenties, I encountered numerous instances where discussions on my dreams and pursuing a career in civil engineering were tapered with cautionary remarks. They would advise me to be mindful not to appear too intelligent, as it might deter potential suitors from being interested in me.

Stay In Line

The Feminism Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained effectively retraces the ways in which male dominance has been perpetuated by patriarchy across various realms such as governance, institutions, power structures, religion, and even within households. It offers valuable insights into the evolution of feminism.

Throughout history, the narrative has predominantly been shaped by men, leaving little room for women who defied societal expectations and norms. Their stories have often been overshadowed or omitted from the history books.

The Feminism Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained provides a fascinating insight into the history of feminism. It showcases evidence of women challenging the status quo as early as 1405, during the 1600s and 1700s, and even as late as the 1890s when the term “feminism” started to gain ground.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, numerous women seeking social change turned to writing under false names as a means of challenging prevailing notions that depicted them as lesser and subordinate to men.

Today we are fortunate to reside in a nation where women have gained the right to vote and enjoy “equal opportunities” in education and the workforce, underpinned by legislation. The significance of this achievement should not be dismissed, as there remain several nations worldwide that have yet to attain a comparable level of acknowledgment.

Achieving true equality continues to be a challenge as the influence of patriarchy remains deeply ingrained. A societal system that still perpetuates gender inequality by favoring men and marginalizing women. It encompasses an intense fixation on controlling and restricting women, often through objectification and emphasis on their appearance and sexuality.

The world is filled with an abundance of negative stereotypes that unfairly target confident women and perpetuate harmful biases. I will explore this further in a dedicated blog post to shed light on this issue and encourage more open discussions.

The prevalence of violence against women is a cause for serious alarm. The distressing statistics surrounding this issue serve as a stark reminder of how deep these issues run..

“97% of women aged 18-24 have experienced sexual harassment”

71% of women at all ages have experienced some form of sexual harassment in public

UN Women UK- 2022

Female leaders and councilors are subject to more abuse than their male counterparts and in some cases, harassment from the electorate can act as a barrier for women entering politics

Debate on violence against women and girls in the UK, House of Lords, 29 June 2023

Is it possible that many women simply prefer to stay under the radar?

Is the lack of self-assurance fueling this situation, or is it a matter of safeguarding oneself?

Building resilience and self-confidence is crucial for personal growth. However, it is crucial to acknowledge the pervasive impact of societal norms, particularly those rooted in patriarchy, that still shape our world. It is essential to work towards dismantling these norms in order to create a more equitable and inclusive society.

Thank you for reading!