Through the Labyrinth: The Truth about How Women Become Leaders »

Despite real progress, women remain rare enough in elite positions of power that their presence still evokes a sense of wonder. In Through the Labyrinth, Alice Eagly and Linda Carli examine why women's paths to power remain difficult to traverse.

First, Eagly and Carli prove that the glass ceiling is no longer a useful metaphor and offer seven reasons why. They propose the labyrinth as a better image and explain how to navigate through it. This important and practical book addresses such critical questions as: How far have women actually come as leaders? Do stereotypes and prejudices still limit women's opportunities? Do people resist women's leadership more than men's? And, do organizations create obstacles to women who would be leaders?

This book's rich analysis is founded on scientific research from psychology, economics, sociology, political science, and management. The authors ground their conclusions in that research and invoke a wealth of engaging anecdotes and personal accounts to illustrate the practical principles that emerge.

With excellent leadership in short supply, no group, organization, or nation can afford to restrict women's access to leadership roles. This book evaluates whether such restrictions are present and, when they are, what we can do to eliminate them.

Monitor on Psychology

Their findings document the hurdles women leaders face and suggest ways they can negotiate them.

Preface and Acknowledgments     ix
Is There Still a Glass Ceiling?     1
Where Are the Women Leaders?     13
Are Men Natural Leaders?     29
Do Family Responsibilities Hold Women Back?     49
Is Discrimination Still a Problem?     67
What Is the Psychology of Prejudice Toward Female Leaders?     83
Do People Resist Women's Leadership?     101
Do Women and Lead Differently from Men?     119
Do Organizations Compromise Women's Leadership?     137
How Do Some Women Find Their Way Through the Labyrinth?     161
How Good Are Women Leaders and What Does Their Future Hold?     183
Notes     201
References     233
Author Index     275
Subject Index     291
About the Authors     307