Seeing gender and its consequences

ABSTRACT

Every MPA student learns about organization theory but too few learn to “see” gender, both within the public service workforce and among clientele of the agency. Because organizations employ gendered structures and processes, it is incumbent on faculty to teach students not just about organizational architecture, but also how to identify the architectural elements that differentially influence women and men. Using a critical gender lens, we demonstrate how this point of view illuminates organizational dynamics that are otherwise assumed to be “normal.” With gender silence, inequities are perpetuated. A framework for incorporating gender cognizance in teaching is provided.

KEYWORDS:

• Critical gender theory
• organization theory
• gender equity
• teaching public administration

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Sebawit G. Bishu

Sebawit G. Bishu is assistant professor in the School of Public Affairs at the University of Colorado Denver. Her areas of expertise focus on organization theory and behavior, gender equity, urban governance, and public management.

Mary E. Guy

Mary E. Guy is professor in the School of Public Affairs at the University of Colorado Denver. Her areas of expertise focus on the human processes involved in public service delivery, with special emphasis on emotional labor and gender equity.

Nuri Heckler

Nuri Heckler is a doctoral student in the School of Public Affairs at the University of Colorado Denver. His research focuses on masculinity and whiteness in public service organizations.