Cracking the Glass Ceiling

In the wake of the American elections this past November 4th, just 7 short days ago, there is a hint of change in the air. Many attest that "the times they are a changing". However, not all critics are pointing to Obama's recent inauguration as the source of this shifting wind. Many journalist, politicians and advocates for women's rights alike are recognizing that Hilary Clinton and Sarah Palin both have cracked the glass ceiling for many women to come. Some are even attesting that these strong females have broken that ceiling for women in politics all together.


An article in Naples Daily News, Nov 6th cites an opinion from Naples City Councilwoman Penny Taylor who states that “I think Clinton and Palin were judged on their qualifications, and clearly the public and popular opinion was that they were not qualified or not the right people for the job. If we’re women in politics, we’ve got to expect to take our knocks, too... they’re looking at us as candidates and officers of the government, and not just as women.”

When you consider the incredible criticism that Palin received after her outrageous $150,000 shopping spree and the fact that the Republic Party is now attributing McCain's loss to her inability to answer basic political questions, including her lack of knowledge on the Bush Doctrine (a policy used in 2001 to justify in invasion of Afghanistan, which she publicly supported), it is hard to ignore Taylor's claim. The people recognized Palin's faults and she was not elected as a result.


Whatever your opinion of Clinton and Palin you have to admit each has certainly forged new territory and made important impact for women in democratic politics worldwide. Obama himself paid tribute to the fantastic campaign that Hilary had ran and lost, saying, “She shattered barriers on behalf of my daughters and women everywhere, who now know that there are no limits to their dreams.”


The 1980's brought into popularity the term ‘glass ceiling,’ the organisational processes that create disadvantage and the difficulties that women face in trying to reach the highest echelons of their particular field. Wikipedia link to 'glass ceiling' entry.