Semantics Matter
Thursday, June 4th, 2009A new book suggests women can have it all, simply by deciding they have enough. That’s the thesis behind the recently released “Womenomics: Write Your Own Rules for Success,” by Claire Shipman, senior national correspondent for ABC News’ “Good Morning America” and Katty Kay, Washington correspondent and anchor for “BBC World News America.”
The book includes specific strategies to negotiate a flexible work schedule and examples of what happens when companies get past face-time-management and start focusing on results.
The title, however, is unfortunate. ‘Womenomics’ suggests that these career / life issues are merely women’s issues, read: mothers’ issues. This an inaccurate representation, shifting a disproportionate responsibility onto women’s shoulders.
Career / life balance is a personal issue that affects men just as much as women. Moreover, it’s not just a family issue anymore. This is not just about moms or dads, but also young professionals and creative thinkers who know that productivity is not confined to artificially lit, sterile offices.
This is an issue for anyone who knows that results don’t require regimented 8 hour work days, and that 60-hour work weeks can likewise be detrimental to long-term performance.
This is an issue for everyone who knows that driving 30 minutes to sit in an office and talk on the phone to someone else who drove 30 minutes to sit in an office and talk on the phone is just plain wasteful.
This is an issue for everyone who sits at a desk at 3:30 thinking, ‘I’m beat, but I can’t leave yet. What kind of busy work can I do until 5:00?”
Shipman and Kay admit it’s not just a women’s issue, but clearly they’re approaching the issue from a feminine perspective. (They make gender generalizations like “women tend to be self-deprecating” and “women tend to be perfectionists.”) Yes, they’re honest and real and relevant to a lot of people. But perhaps they miss the bigger picture.
Titles like these diminish the issue, assign blame, and give people an excuse to shut it out. Titles like these are inaccurate and unnecessary. Titles like these are no way to open minds and lead change.
Posted by Jaime