Emotional Managers
Female principals have been positioned as emotional managers.
(Sachs & Blackmore, 1998) Historically, the gendered distinction between rational and
emotional or between instrumental and expressive, roles has been used as justification for
sex segregation of work performed in schools. The expressive and emotional work,
teaching young children, has been the work of women; the instrumental or rational work-
running the school, has been typically the manıs role. (Bell & Chase, 1995)
When male superintendents and principals were asked why they did not
confront women with their dissatisfactions, a major reason was fear
of womenıs tears-- from men, most anticipated anger. Being much less
comfortable with crying, most failed to give women important
corrective feedback that would have allowed them to improve their
performance as educators. There is some suggestion that it is the fear
of tears-- rather than overwhelming evidence of actual crying--that
paralyzes male administrators. (Shakeshaft & Nowell, 1992)
Heterosexuality is another factor that prevents male superintendents
from hiring a female assistant. Most males said they would be uncomfortable hiring an
attractive women because of the close working relationship. This is often a
problem for women as well, since they are never quite sure of
underlying messages. (Shakeshaft & Nowell, 1992)
Links
Homepage
Introduction
Leadership Theory
What makes Women Different
Barriers to Success
Job Satisfaction
Leadership Styles
Overall Expectations
Career Paths
Mentorship
Here Come the Women
References
Bibliography
