Blog 26

“Men continue to dominate” (Gender on Trial, pg. 78) the profession of law. Male dominance and power is observed in that particular profession. Men assisting women lawyers are still looked at to be the superior ones rather then the female. In the reading, there was one incident when the lawyer discussing information and had a male assisting her. During this time she was speaking, eye contact was on the male. Eye contact as stated in the reading means “validity.” No eye contact sends a message of “dismissive” (Gender on Trial, pg. 79). Men role in assisting women is obvious. Men are the superior ones, the ones automatically receive respect, most competent, and have more power then women. Men is considered to be the leaders, therefore portrays to be the role models for women lawyers. Women are constantly undermined. This reflects to the law being a gendered organization because women are not getting the same creditably and respect as men do. Women are constantly being underestimated and their status does not get the same respect as men do. Not only is it towards gender but those of another race is greatly impacted with the perception of competence. It is bad enough that women are not seen as competent but as far as those who are minorities, competence is “complex.” Still women are not receive the same equality as men. For an example, in the reading a woman who was the managing partner of her firm had vendors come would take a seat and sit faced towards the “male partners” without recognizing her. She would have to inform the vendors of her status and their “body language shifted.” People first perception and thought of a lawyer is male. That is because of tradition and history and the roles of women. Although, this firm is trying to close the gender gap, it still is a gendered organization.