There is what might be called a Catch-22 of hazardous…
“There is what might be called a Catch-22 of hazardous occupations: The more hazardous the job, the more men; the more men, the less we care about making the job safer. The Catch-22 of hazardous occupations creates a 'glass cellar' which few women wish to enter. Women are alienated not just out of the fear of being hurt on the job, but by an atmosphere that can make a hazardous job more hazardous than it needs to be.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Occupations that are risky attract many workers, yet the abundance of workers reduces concern for safety, especially discouraging women from entering.
In simple terms: Risky jobs draw many, but many workers makes safety less of a priority, pushing women away.
Recognize and address safety culture to attract diverse talent.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- construction sites
- oil rigs
- mining
- manufacturing
- firefighting
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can organizations balance productivity with safety?
- What policies encourage women to enter hazardous fields?
Safety improvements may be costly and face resistance from entrenched interests.