Authority Quote by Kathleen Hall Jamieson
“Other problems confront women in power. One is fine but two's a crowd seems to be an unspoken rule when the one wears a skirt. And those in authority have found ways to reward women for excluding others of their kind.”
About This Quote
Source Article: Women in Power, 2020
Women in leadership often face subtle exclusion and competition, especially when they share gender identity.
In simple terms: Women leaders can be pitted against each other.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and challenge gendered exclusion.
Themes
gender
leadership
exclusion
competition
solidarity
Mood
frustrated
determined
Type
analytical
critical
When to use this quote
- corporate boardrooms
- political cabinets
- academic committees
- nonprofit leadership
Key Concepts
intersectionality
power dynamics
social norms
Questions to Reflect On
- How can organizations foster genuine collaboration among women leaders?
- What policies reduce competitive exclusion?
A Different Perspective
The rule may stem from systemic bias, not individual intent.
![“The rationale which accompanies that imposition of male authority euphemistically referred to as 'the battle of the sexes' bears a certain resemblance to the formulas of nations at war, where any heinousness is justified on the grounds that the enemy is either an inferior [part of the] species or…” quote by Kate Millett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/895/kate-millett-7301_accompany_the-rationale-which-accompanies-that-imp_8896.jpg)