Gendered Criticism: Women in Power Between Disqualification and Resistance

Abstract

The binary social structure perpetuates gender inequality by confining women to archetypes of passivity while reserving advancement for men. This archaic mindset ignores the grueling reality of women’s daily lives and perpetuates barriers that hinder women’s access to leadership positions. When women occupy positions of prestige, they face various mechanisms of delegitimization aimed at undermining their authority and competence. Among these tactics are infantilization, emotional labeling, and the disproportionate demand for technical proof as forms of oppression. Furthermore, the use of hostile humor and moral violence are tools used to destroy women’s reputations in the workplace. Structural barriers perpetuate gender inequality in the Brazilian labor market, highlighting how the corporate environment favors male profiles. The negative impact of the wage gap and prejudice against motherhood are factors that frequently result in the exclusion of qualified women. In addition to financial difficulties, constant psychological pressure demands that women achieve unattainable levels of excellence to validate their competencies. This rigorous scrutiny of women’s intellectual abilities creates a cycle of mental exhaustion and creative silencing. Ultimately, systematic devaluation leads to high rates of mental illness among female workers.