Bias Interrupted

CHAPTER 8

Women’s priorities change after having kids. Are you saying I should ignore that?

“Women get pregnant. This is a real disadvantage and risk for any project leader … So given the same qualifications, I would rationally go for the man. Not saying it’s right, just saying there are logical reasons behind it.”

—Public comment left in response to a study showing a candidate named “John” was more likely to be hired than an equally qualified “Jennifer”1

Here’s the short answer: the fact that some mothers cut back on work after they have children does not justify discriminating against them, or against the women who don’t.

Motherhood triggers the strongest form of gender bias

I’ve already mentioned the study by sociologist Shelley Correll and ...