Glass ceiling

Definition

The glass ceiling is an invisible barrier that prevents certain groups, particularly women and minorities, from advancing beyond a certain level in a hierarchy or organization, despite qualifications or achievements. It reflects underlying institutional biases that limit opportunities for advancement based on gender, race, or ethnicity.

Related terms

Patriarchy: A social system in which men hold primary power and predominate in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and control of property.

Gender Discrimination: Unfair or unequal treatment of an individual based on their gender, often resulting in denied opportunities or access to resources.

Intersectionality: A concept used to describe how different categories of discrimination (such as race, gender, class) interact and overlap to create unique dynamics and experiences for individuals