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The Gender Bias: The Barriers That Hold Women Back, And How To Break Them
Two people are firefighters and do the same job. When one is asked what they do for a living, their response is met 'That's amazing, you are so brave!', while the other is 'Isn't that dangerous? Aren't you scared? What about your kids?' Can you guess the difference between the two?
These comments are the reality for Dr Sabrina Cohen-Hatton and many other women at work and in life. Gender biases stop women from succeeding - but why are certain qualities associated with success viewed less favourably for women?
After leaving home at 15, going through extreme personal adversity and a period of homelessness, Sabrina gained first-hand experience of the hurdles women face to become successful. In The Gender Bias, she explores the everyday prejudices women experience through the prism of success. From leadership, to risk-taking, perception and failure, Sabrina exposes the invisible barriers that are holding women back.
Through an analysis of studies and data, Sabrina unpicks why women are judged differently, examines why that matters and offers practical solutions on how we can tackle our biases and overcome sustained systems.
These comments are the reality for Dr Sabrina Cohen-Hatton and many other women at work and in life. Gender biases stop women from succeeding - but why are certain qualities associated with success viewed less favourably for women?
After leaving home at 15, going through extreme personal adversity and a period of homelessness, Sabrina gained first-hand experience of the hurdles women face to become successful. In The Gender Bias, she explores the everyday prejudices women experience through the prism of success. From leadership, to risk-taking, perception and failure, Sabrina exposes the invisible barriers that are holding women back.
Through an analysis of studies and data, Sabrina unpicks why women are judged differently, examines why that matters and offers practical solutions on how we can tackle our biases and overcome sustained systems.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 2, 2023
11 people are currently reading
236 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 3, 2023
“I hadn’t yet appreciated that failing doesn’t make you a failure.”
This book is so well written and researched and I highly recommend everyone read it!
Sabrina is a firefighter and so we get real life experiences from her and well researched data and statistics about the bias that we have in all areas of society andhow that is detrimental to both women and men and our society as a whole.
She speaks about women in positions of power and how they are viewed and whether they are “feminine” enough and discusses capability vs likability.
She discusses the glass cliff (highly recommend everyone read up on this) and how women are often put in leadership positions only once the place is already failing and that means they are more likely to fail and how then that failure is blamed on the woman and her lack of leadership ability.
How socio economic factors are affecting women and how living in poverty means that they cannot think about progressing when they have to worry about paying bills.
How our society is just not set up to support parents especially mothers in managing a work life balance and often the mother is struggling without much help. How there needs to be more support and flexibility to allow parents to manage their daily lives.
How jobs that are considered a mans job are often places where women aren’t welcome and it is much harder to succeed in that area. How even safety features could only be designed with men in mind and so not work for women.
She touches on how being a woman of colour or of a different religious background will make things even harder for women already facing barriers and fighting biases.
It was interesting to read how these biases and barriers are not just men but also women are perpetuating the same thing. From asking mothers if that job (for her it’s firefighting) is something they should be doing because what about their kids but being in awe of the father for doing something that is so selfless.
I was well and truly hooked and even though it made me feel so much rage it was also hopeful and I especially loved that at the end of each section she discussed ways in which we can actually make changes to reduce their biases and barriers. We all need to look at our own biases and actively remind ourselves when we start to fall into it.
This book is so well written and researched and I highly recommend everyone read it!
Sabrina is a firefighter and so we get real life experiences from her and well researched data and statistics about the bias that we have in all areas of society andhow that is detrimental to both women and men and our society as a whole.
She speaks about women in positions of power and how they are viewed and whether they are “feminine” enough and discusses capability vs likability.
She discusses the glass cliff (highly recommend everyone read up on this) and how women are often put in leadership positions only once the place is already failing and that means they are more likely to fail and how then that failure is blamed on the woman and her lack of leadership ability.
How socio economic factors are affecting women and how living in poverty means that they cannot think about progressing when they have to worry about paying bills.
How our society is just not set up to support parents especially mothers in managing a work life balance and often the mother is struggling without much help. How there needs to be more support and flexibility to allow parents to manage their daily lives.
How jobs that are considered a mans job are often places where women aren’t welcome and it is much harder to succeed in that area. How even safety features could only be designed with men in mind and so not work for women.
She touches on how being a woman of colour or of a different religious background will make things even harder for women already facing barriers and fighting biases.
It was interesting to read how these biases and barriers are not just men but also women are perpetuating the same thing. From asking mothers if that job (for her it’s firefighting) is something they should be doing because what about their kids but being in awe of the father for doing something that is so selfless.
I was well and truly hooked and even though it made me feel so much rage it was also hopeful and I especially loved that at the end of each section she discussed ways in which we can actually make changes to reduce their biases and barriers. We all need to look at our own biases and actively remind ourselves when we start to fall into it.
August 18, 2023
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
The Gender Bias
By Dr Sabrina Cohen-Hatton
Clearly thought out and well researched book that explores the hurdles that women face when trying to become successful. She identifies what creates the prejudices and how women can be complicit in normalising perceptions of femininity in the workplace and society.
She examines how the qualities popularly associated with successful men, when applied to women, are judged negatively and how this has resulted in a "damned if you do, damned if you don't" scenario for so many women who have tried to crash through the glass ceiling, and how intersectionality can amplify the effects.
She discusses the extra layers of hurt and abuse that women are exposed to based solely on gender and how social media has opened the door to a type of sadism that wouldn't be tolerated elsewhere.
This is essential reading, the author narrates the audiobook and does an excellent job at creating a framework for discussion and exploration of solutions.
#bookreview #irishbookstagram #thegenderbias #sabrinacohenhatton #drsabrinacohenhatton #genderstudies #feministliterature #glassceiling #breakingtheglassceiling #nonfiction
The Gender Bias
By Dr Sabrina Cohen-Hatton
Clearly thought out and well researched book that explores the hurdles that women face when trying to become successful. She identifies what creates the prejudices and how women can be complicit in normalising perceptions of femininity in the workplace and society.
She examines how the qualities popularly associated with successful men, when applied to women, are judged negatively and how this has resulted in a "damned if you do, damned if you don't" scenario for so many women who have tried to crash through the glass ceiling, and how intersectionality can amplify the effects.
She discusses the extra layers of hurt and abuse that women are exposed to based solely on gender and how social media has opened the door to a type of sadism that wouldn't be tolerated elsewhere.
This is essential reading, the author narrates the audiobook and does an excellent job at creating a framework for discussion and exploration of solutions.
#bookreview #irishbookstagram #thegenderbias #sabrinacohenhatton #drsabrinacohenhatton #genderstudies #feministliterature #glassceiling #breakingtheglassceiling #nonfiction
April 3, 2023
“I hadn’t yet appreciated that failing doesn’t make you a failure.”
This book is so well written and researched and I highly recommend everyone read it!
Sabrina is a firefighter and so we get real life experiences from her and well researched data and statistics about the bias that we have in all areas of society andhow that is detrimental to both women and men and our society as a whole.
She speaks about women in positions of power and how they are viewed and whether they are “feminine” enough and discusses capability vs likability.
She discusses the glass cliff (highly recommend everyone read up on this) and how women are often put in leadership positions only once the place is already failing and that means they are more likely to fail and how then that failure is blamed on the woman and her lack of leadership ability.
How socio economic factors are affecting women and how living in poverty means that they cannot think about progressing when they have to worry about paying bills.
How our society is just not set up to support parents especially mothers in managing a work life balance and often the mother is struggling without much help. How there needs to be more support and flexibility to allow parents to manage their daily lives.
How jobs that are considered a mans job are often places where women aren’t welcome and it is much harder to succeed in that area. How even safety features could only be designed with men in mind and so not work for women.
She touches on how being a woman of colour or of a different religious background will make things even harder for women already facing barriers and fighting biases.
It was interesting to read how these biases and barriers are not just men but also women are perpetuating the same thing. From asking mothers if that job (for her it’s firefighting) is something they should be doing because what about their kids but being in awe of the father for doing something that is so selfless.
I was well and truly hooked and even though it made me feel so much rage it was also hopeful and I especially loved that at the end of each section she discussed ways in which we can actually make changes to reduce their biases and barriers. We all need to look at our own biases and actively remind ourselves when we start to fall into it.
This book is so well written and researched and I highly recommend everyone read it!
Sabrina is a firefighter and so we get real life experiences from her and well researched data and statistics about the bias that we have in all areas of society andhow that is detrimental to both women and men and our society as a whole.
She speaks about women in positions of power and how they are viewed and whether they are “feminine” enough and discusses capability vs likability.
She discusses the glass cliff (highly recommend everyone read up on this) and how women are often put in leadership positions only once the place is already failing and that means they are more likely to fail and how then that failure is blamed on the woman and her lack of leadership ability.
How socio economic factors are affecting women and how living in poverty means that they cannot think about progressing when they have to worry about paying bills.
How our society is just not set up to support parents especially mothers in managing a work life balance and often the mother is struggling without much help. How there needs to be more support and flexibility to allow parents to manage their daily lives.
How jobs that are considered a mans job are often places where women aren’t welcome and it is much harder to succeed in that area. How even safety features could only be designed with men in mind and so not work for women.
She touches on how being a woman of colour or of a different religious background will make things even harder for women already facing barriers and fighting biases.
It was interesting to read how these biases and barriers are not just men but also women are perpetuating the same thing. From asking mothers if that job (for her it’s firefighting) is something they should be doing because what about their kids but being in awe of the father for doing something that is so selfless.
I was well and truly hooked and even though it made me feel so much rage it was also hopeful and I especially loved that at the end of each section she discussed ways in which we can actually make changes to reduce their biases and barriers. We all need to look at our own biases and actively remind ourselves when we start to fall into it.
June 7, 2023
After recently attending a Womens Summit, was good to hear the statements made there backed up in this book.
Had moments of realisation while listening to this.
And as they say, knowledge changes perception.
Had moments of realisation while listening to this.
And as they say, knowledge changes perception.
July 16, 2023
I wish this book existed when I was studying for for my BA (Hons) as this is pretty much everything I had to write about.
It is very clear that this book is well-written and researched. The interweaving of academic research, personal anecdotes and evidence from other females. This book covers a lot of areas where the gender bias is so prevalent and subconscious all at once. There isn't anything new or ground breaking in this book but it does highlight how the many many systems in society are skewed to hold back women.
Cohen-Hatton herself has an entire career's worth of examples of the gender bias and being a firefighter from he age of 18, having risen tot eh rank of chief and yet people still assume it's her husband that is the chief and her boss and not the other way around. This sis one of many personal stories she cares in this book. It is very easy to see yourself and your female counterparts in the examples she uses in this book.
It is very clear that this book is well-written and researched. The interweaving of academic research, personal anecdotes and evidence from other females. This book covers a lot of areas where the gender bias is so prevalent and subconscious all at once. There isn't anything new or ground breaking in this book but it does highlight how the many many systems in society are skewed to hold back women.
Cohen-Hatton herself has an entire career's worth of examples of the gender bias and being a firefighter from he age of 18, having risen tot eh rank of chief and yet people still assume it's her husband that is the chief and her boss and not the other way around. This sis one of many personal stories she cares in this book. It is very easy to see yourself and your female counterparts in the examples she uses in this book.
April 14, 2023
This. Book. Is. Everything.
I loved it so so so much, and enjoyed every page of it! This is the book I am going to recommend to every feminist I know, in fact, I will be recommending it to every woman I know. And then a few men too.
I loved the way the author tells about herself. I loved the way the author tells about her work experience. I loved the way every little thing that was mentioned in the book, was well-researched. I loved how it covers various topics. I. Just. Loved. Everything. About. This. Book.
I loved it so so so much, and enjoyed every page of it! This is the book I am going to recommend to every feminist I know, in fact, I will be recommending it to every woman I know. And then a few men too.
I loved the way the author tells about herself. I loved the way the author tells about her work experience. I loved the way every little thing that was mentioned in the book, was well-researched. I loved how it covers various topics. I. Just. Loved. Everything. About. This. Book.
November 6, 2023
If you have read on this topic before this book wont be bringing you any new information. It is well researched, easy to read and statisically backed up.
I was more interested in "how to break the gender bias" the part which the book fell short for me hence the 3 stars.
I'm aware there is this problem and yes all the evidence is there to back up that this problem exisits. Now what? Would have appreciated more solutions and day to day practical advice that women could use. Perhaps that will be the follow up book. Xx
I was more interested in "how to break the gender bias" the part which the book fell short for me hence the 3 stars.
I'm aware there is this problem and yes all the evidence is there to back up that this problem exisits. Now what? Would have appreciated more solutions and day to day practical advice that women could use. Perhaps that will be the follow up book. Xx
July 31, 2023
This book was so informative. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about my bias and how that holds me back but also how I can change my circumstances by opening up my eyes to what I can do even though I'm a woman.
There were so many new ideas and perspectives and I think knowing those views and what's holding women back, I'm in a better place to correct biased behavior in others and myself.
9.5/10. This may not be everyone's cup of tea, but everyone should read it.
There were so many new ideas and perspectives and I think knowing those views and what's holding women back, I'm in a better place to correct biased behavior in others and myself.
9.5/10. This may not be everyone's cup of tea, but everyone should read it.
July 15, 2023
One of the best books on this topic I read. Cohen-Hattons' 20-year long experience helps to delve deeply into the challenges that women encounter, it examines the consequences of these obstacles and provides with the means to comprehend the underlying biases and, most importantly, offers solutions to promote change.
February 24, 2024
To be honest, I kind of felt very sad and a bit defeated while reading this book. I do like the bit at the very end where recommendations were made on how we can be more aware of these issues and not just standby as it happens. Representation is important, and I hope I can find more ways to work towards a better and fairer future for women and in turn, every person.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2025
No question, it is a well researched book. It is quite dense and supports factual data, but I did find it repetitive.
However, I am not going to ridicule the author, because she has written about a subject that all women can relate to and the gender bias has a negative effect on us all, irrespective of gender.
However, I am not going to ridicule the author, because she has written about a subject that all women can relate to and the gender bias has a negative effect on us all, irrespective of gender.
May 23, 2023
A short but thorough and very readable book exploring some of the barriers that women face. I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed this format. The book also contains a number of personal anecdotes, which I found interesting and added to the research.
June 16, 2023
hmm i feel like a lot of the book was just telling me stuff that most women are already aware of , the chapter on failure was very interesting though i really liked that part
also idk who double checked the book for her before publishing but quite a few spelling mistakes
also idk who double checked the book for her before publishing but quite a few spelling mistakes
July 19, 2025
I admire Sabrina for her determination not to let her gender hold her back in a male dominated work place. She highlights some really import points in her research on gender bias in the work place. However I found it a bit repetitive in places and struggled to pay attention.
March 18, 2023
I listened to the audiobook. Very informative and made me think about the gender bias experiences I have had and the gender bias that I sometimes have towards others.
August 8, 2023
I found this book SO inspiring - Dr. Sabrina Cohen-Hatton is fantastic, insightful and a very strong woman. I can relate to her experience (somewhat) as a female engineer, though I am early in my career, so I found this to be incredibly fascinating in terms of understanding the intricacies of gender biases and classism that hold women back, and how to counter these in daily interactions. There were some very interesting points that made me reflect, and others that weren’t new to me but were incorporated in a way that brought this book together very well. Researched thoroughly, recounted with genuine passion, this is definitely a worthwhile read.
August 16, 2023
Great book. Made me view things I know already just a bit differently
September 22, 2023
Audiobook, but not an option
September 30, 2023
Very interesting
August 22, 2024
3.75⭐️
October 12, 2024
Interesting take on way gender bias pops up both deliberately and subconsciously.
Also insight into this impressive woman’s career.
Also insight into this impressive woman’s career.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews