Is low confidence holding women back?
In today's society, the concept of confidence often emerges as a critical factor in both personal and professional success. However, beneath the surface, this can serve as a double-edged sword, particularly for women and marginalised communities.
The Gendered Nature of Confidence
Confidence is not a neutral attribute, but rather deeply entrenched within societal norms and expectations, often favouring certain demographics over others. Baker and Bourke's compelling article in the Harvard Business Review of October 2022 sheds light on the gendered nature of confidence, emphasising how it is wielded as both a tool and a barrier for women (Baker and Bourke 2022). It was widely discussed at the time, as a revelation for many on how ‘confidence’ was used in the workplace in the place of tangible actions for improvement.
Despite strides towards gender equality, confidence remains a contentious issue in workplaces worldwide. When women exhibit confidence, they are often penalised for deviating from traditional gender norms, labelled as aggressive or arrogant. Conversely, their male counterparts are lauded for similar behaviour, perpetuating a cycle of bias and inequality.
Shani Orgad and Rosalind Gill co-authored ‘Confidence Culture’, which was released in January 2022. It discusses how the authors believe that organisations can use ‘lack of confidence’ as a way to urge women to work on themselves, while avoiding introspection and wider problems in the workplace for women. Gill states that "It's almost as if inequalities, and gender inequalities in particular, were being explained away by a confidence deficit among women. It's letting all of these institutions off the hook. And it's also blaming women."
The authors believe that their book inspired some self-analysis by the C-suit of many corporations. Gill says “It’s so not about women’s lack of confidence but inequality and the undervaluing of women.” (Jacobs 2022)
The Paradox of Confidence in Career Progression
In the realm of career advancement, confidence plays a pivotal yet paradoxical role for Irish women. Baker's research uncovers a troubling trend wherein women are held back by perceptions of their confidence — or lack thereof. When women fail to meet career milestones, their supposed lack of confidence becomes a convenient scapegoat, deflecting attention from systemic barriers to their progression (Baker and Bourke 2022).
Conversely, when women display confidence, they risk facing backlash, with their assertiveness often misconstrued as overconfidence. This dynamic creates a lose-lose situation, fostering feelings of self-doubt, and perpetuating a culture of self-blame among women striving for success (Baker and Bourke 2022).
Beyond this, Irish workers do genuinely lack confidence. More than half of Irish workers (51%) will not apply for a new job because they aren’t confident in themselves. Of those who said they weren’t confident enough to look for a new job, 42% thought they didn’t have strong enough experience; 40% said they believed that there were better candidates for the role and 40% were worried about leaving their comfort zone (Sexton 2019).
Mental Health Ramifications
The detrimental effects of low confidence extend beyond the workplace, seeping into the fabric of women's mental well-being.
The 2016 Healthy Ireland survey found that young women (15-24 years) were the group with the highest levels of ‘negative mental health’. Despite this, many refrain from seeking professional help, with 27% of women aged 18 - 25 admitting to not seeking help despite needing it (National Women's Council 2021).
The pervasive narrative linking confidence to success exacerbates feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt among Irish women, perpetuating a cycle of anxiety and low self-esteem. It's essential to challenge this narrative and foster environments where vulnerability is embraced, and individuals feel empowered to seek help without fear of judgement.
While you would presume that increasing your confidence would solve this problem, Baker and Bourke found that although increased confidence has some therapeutic value in the short-term by helping us rise to challenging tasks, it was linked to longer-term detrimental effects, such as self-blame, self-criticism, self-doubt and overall poorer mental health (Baker and Bourke 2022).
Financial Implications
Low confidence also casts a shadow over women's financial security, despite their adeptness at managing day-to-day household finances. Studies indicate that women exhibit lower confidence levels in making long-term financial decisions (39% vs 52% of men) and are less likely to take on key decision-making roles in financial matters (Permanent TSB 2024).
Moreover, the reluctance to pursue career advancement due to confidence-related barriers contributes to a broader gender wealth gap. Women's hesitancy to seek new job opportunities or negotiate for higher salaries perpetuates financial inequalities, hindering their long-term economic stability.
Towards Empowerment and Equity
Addressing the pervasive issue of low confidence among Irish women requires a concerted effort to challenge societal norms and systemic inequalities. Corporate leaders must prioritise inclusivity and create environments where women feel valued and supported, irrespective of their perceived ‘confidence levels’.
Empowering women to recognize their inherent worth and capabilities, while providing avenues for skill development and mentorship, is paramount. By fostering a culture of vulnerability and support, we can dismantle the barriers posed by low confidence and pave the way for a more equitable and inclusive society.
In conclusion, the impact of low confidence on Irish women's lives is profound and multifaceted. It permeates various areas; from career progression, to mental health, and financial well-being. It's time to challenge outdated notions of confidence and create spaces where all individuals, regardless of gender, can thrive and succeed on their own terms.
References
Baker, Darren T., and Juliet Bourke. 2022. “How Confidence Is Weaponized Against Women.” Harvard Business Review, October 20, 2022. https://hbr.org/2022/10/how-confidence-is-weaponized-against-women.
Harrington, Patrice. 2023. “The gender confidence gap: why it's damaging for women — and how we can fix it.” Irish Independent, April 28, 2023. https://www.independent.ie/life/the-gender-confidence-gap-why-its-damaging-for-women-and-how-we-can-fix-it/a2082652263.html.
Jacobs, Emma. 2022. “It is the workplace, not women’s confidence, that needs to be fixed.” Irish Times, January 19, 2022. https://www.irishtimes.com/business/work/it-is-the-workplace-not-women-s-confidence-that-needs-to-be-fixed-1.4780323.
Murrihy, Claire. 2023. “Low Self-Esteem and Body Image Are Barriers For Young Girls.” Irish Country Magazine. https://irishcountrymagazine.ie/low-self-esteem-and-body-confidence-are-huge-barriers-for-young-girls-in-ireland/.
National Women's Council. 2021. “Young Women's Mental Health » The National Women's Council of Ireland.” National Women's Council. https://www.nwci.ie/not_just_in_your_head/young_womens_mental_health.
Permanent TSB. 2024. “Lives of Women in Ireland Today.” Permanent TSB. https://www.ptsb.ie/blog/reflecting-ireland-an-insight-into-consumer-behavioural-change-in-ireland--lives-of-women-in-ireland-today/.
Sexton, Colette. 2019. “Is a lack of confidence stopping you from getting a new job?” IMAGE. https://www.image.ie/agenda/lack-confidence-stopping-from-getting-new-job-141737/
