Welcome back to my weekly blog post. Before diving into this week’s topic, I owe you an apology for the absence of a post last week. I had the opportunity to write and schedule it earlier in the week but, regrettably, procrastination got the best of me. With that off my chest, let’s delve into this week’s discussion: gender in the workplace.
First off, I am writing this post as a firm Roman Catholic man with strongly conservative views. This background influences my perspective, so if you see anything you disagree with, at least you will understand the foundation of my beliefs and where I am coming from in my writing.
I strongly believe that there are some workplaces that should be permanently barred from either gender due to Tradition and Biblical teaching. For example, I support the exclusion of women from the priesthood and church hierarchy (deacons, bishops, archbishops, cardinals, and the Pope) as set down by Church teaching and Tradition. Additionally, I would argue that military service should be reserved for men due to psychological and physical reasons.
However, this doesn’t mean that I oppose women in the workplace in general. I’ve worked with many women in various fields over the years, and I’ve generally been impressed by my female colleagues. I believe that some trades aren’t designed for a particular gender, but that’s my perspective. For women, a notable example of success in a male-dominated industry is Mary Barra, the current CEO of General Motors. She is thriving in the automotive industry, where men have traditionally dominated. Similarly, for men, Ben Carson is a role model in the medical field, an area where women have historically been the dominant force.
I think that in the construction industry, the raw building should be mostly left to men due to various factors, including:
- Heavy materials
- Inclement weather conditions in some parts of the country
- Dirty conditions
- Limited access to real washrooms, often only outhouses
- Long hours
However, this doesn’t mean I believe women should be excluded from the construction industry. Some have proven to handle these factors (and I’ve worked with both genders who have and have not managed such conditions) so they shouldn’t be excluded just because they are women. Those who can’t handle the early stages of raw construction could still work later in the process on the interiors (flooring, insulating, drywalling, installing appliances and kitchens, etc.) or in the design and planning stages before, during, and near the end of construction.
In conclusion, gender dynamics in the workplace can be complex and multifaceted. While tradition and certain physical factors may influence opinions on specific roles, it’s essential to recognize and appreciate the unique strengths and contributions individuals bring to their professions. Many industries, such as retail and fast food, have shown that both men and women can succeed and thrive equally. By fostering an environment of inclusivity and respect, we can create workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to excel, regardless of gender.