Introduction: “Why I Want Women to be Lean In”
This article, “Why I Want Women to Lean In,” is an excerpt from Sheryl Sandberg’s acclaimed book, “Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead.” The article sheds light not only on women’s tendency to withdraw from work prematurely, societal bias against female success, but also on women’s own over-ambition to achieve perfection in every aspect of their lives. Sheryl Sandberg argues that despite women attaining top positions in academia, workplace equality remains elusive due to their internalized belief that they should prioritize family over work, existing prejudices in the workplace, and their perfectionist tendencies, leading them to allocate less time for family matters. According to Sandberg, despite women dominating the educational field, their representation in executive positions has not surpassed 14% in Fortune 500 and 17% in board seats over the last decade (472).
Drawing from her personal experience, Sandberg asserts that women are often compelled to choose between their careers and families. This dilemma is ingrained in them during their teenage years, where differential treatment between genders becomes second nature. Real obstacles emerge in the form of “sexism, discrimination, lack of flexibility, access to child care, and parental leave” (472), impeding women’s progression to executive roles. Sandberg proposes that if women resist leaving prematurely, if men cease biasing success and likability, and if women themselves let go of the pursuit of perfection but strive to their utmost, they can emerge as leaders in the business world. Employing classical rhetorical devices such as ethos, pathos, and logos, Sandberg persuades her readers that women can indeed succeed and become leaders in the business world.
Argument of “Why I Want Women to be Lean In”
In establishing the credibility of her argument regarding the various obstacles faced by women, Sheryl Sandberg effectively employs ethos, drawing on her personal experiences as a woman, a professional, and a mother. Her initial use of ethos is evident in the opening paragraph, where she emphasizes that women “continue to outpace men in the educational field.” By positioning herself as a woman who has excelled in education, she underscores the disparity between educational achievements and the underrepresentation of women in the business world, asserting that obstacles hinder their progress (473).
Sandberg further reinforces her ethos by delving into her own career experiences. She contends that differential treatment between boys and girls during their teenage years shapes their future paths. Moreover, she addresses the stereotyping women face when they succeed, often being labeled as “outspoken, aggressive, more powerful than men,” which leads to discrimination in the workplace (473). By sharing her personal encounters with gender bias, Sandberg establishes herself not just as an author but as a working woman who has navigated these challenges firsthand.
Additionally, Sandberg leverages her professional affiliation by mentioning her role at Facebook. This serves to highlight her practical experience and success in a prominent company, emphasizing that she has pursued a path that aligns with her beliefs, achieving success while maintaining a balance between family and work. Her mantra, “done is better than perfect,” further reinforces her commitment to taking action rather than striving for perfection or succumbing to the pressure to do more (474).
By weaving together examples from her own life, observations, and career, Sandberg bolsters the credibility of her argument. Her relatable experiences and practical insights contribute to persuading her readers that sustainable and fulfilling work should be the focus, rather than an unattainable pursuit of perfection.
Strategy in “Why I Want Women to be Lean In”
Sheryl Sandberg uses the rhetorical device of pathos to appeal to the emotions of her readers and persuade them of her argument that women are equal to men in both professional and domestic spheres. She touches upon the emotional experiences that resonate with women, highlighting the inequalities they face at the workplace, reminiscent of the challenges encountered during their teenage years. The emotional chord struck here revolves around the societal expectation that women must choose between a career and a family, with childcare and parental love often perceived as their primary responsibilities (473).
Sandberg addresses the emotional aspect of work-life balance by sharing her personal encounters. She notes that questions about family and work balance were directed at her when she joined Facebook, emphasizing the persistent societal expectation for women to navigate the delicate balance between career and family. Additionally, she points out that women tend to withdraw from responsibilities and job-related tasks when anticipating starting a family, leading to a significant lag behind their male counterparts. Returning to the workplace after childbirth, women may feel less fulfilled, underutilized, or unappreciated, which affects their enthusiasm for work and perpetuates the gap between men and women (473).
The emotional impact of Sandberg’s argument is heightened when she addresses the sacrifices women make for success. She contends that women pay a penalty for their achievements when they leave their families, portraying it as a significant sacrifice made to succeed in a male-dominated world. By appealing to the emotional experiences of women, Sandberg aims to rally support for her argument and foster a sense of solidarity among her readers.
Logos in “Why I Want Women to be Lean In”
Sheryl Sandberg strategically employs the logical appeal, or logos, to substantiate her argument and persuade her readers, particularly women, that gender disparities persist due to factors such as family commitments, biases among men, and the perceived conflict between family and career. She incorporates credible sources, including studies and anecdotes from her own life, to present a logical foundation for her claims.
Sandberg references a Princeton survey from the 2006 class, revealing that 62% of women anticipated work/family conflict compared to 33% of men. This data emphasizes the challenges women face in deciding between a career and family life (472). Additionally, she highlights statistics related to the expectations of men regarding their wives’ employment status and the return rate of married working women. These figures underscore the significant decisions women must make when pursuing a career (472).
The second logical reference is drawn from a Harvard Business School case study, where two successful entrepreneurs are presented for analysis. The study’s outcome reveals that women entrepreneurs are perceived as selfish compared to their male counterparts, illustrating a bias that impacts women’s likability in professional settings (474). Sandberg supplements these references with personal anecdotes, including her experience joining Facebook, where she was questioned about family/work balance. She also shares a manager’s feedback on a woman customer service attendant being labeled “too aggressive,” highlighting the gender bias evident in workplace evaluations (474). Furthermore, Sandberg integrates additional statistics and data to reinforce her argument. For instance, she emphasizes that despite their professional responsibilities, most mothers spend almost equal time with their children. This data supports the notion that women can successfully manage both family and career if they strategically navigate the demands of both aspects of their lives (474). By combining credible sources, studies, and personal anecdotes, Sandberg strengthens the logical underpinning of her argument, aiming to convince her readers that women can overcome societal barriers and achieve success by effectively balancing family and career.
Conclusion: “Why I Want Women to be Lean In”
In short, Sheryl Sandberg eloquently presents the challenges faced by working women in attaining executive positions compared to men in the business field and outlines how they can overcome these obstacles. Her communication is characterized by accessible and relevant language, making her message easily understandable. Beyond sharing her own experiences, Sandberg effectively employs classical rhetorical devices—ethos, pathos, and logos—to strengthen her argument. She draws on various sources to convince readers that women’s underrepresentation in top-level positions is a result of both natural and societal impediments, including the conflict between life and career, men’s biases, and women’s inherent dedication to their families.
While Sandberg acknowledges her own preference for family, she argues that women can strike a balance between work and family life with determination. Success, according to her, requires strong decision-making skills, resilience, and, most importantly, the will to succeed. By advocating for women to seize opportunities, overcome biases, and relinquish the pursuit of perfection, she asserts that they can emerge as leaders equal to their male counterparts.
Works Cited: “Why I Want Women to be Lean In”
- Sandberg, Sheryl. “Why I Want Women To Lean In.” Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead, 7 Mar. 2013, ideas.time.com/2013/03/07/why-i-want-women-to-lean-in/.
Relevant Questions: “Why I Want Women to be Lean In”
- How does Sheryl Sandberg argue for the importance of women leaning in, and what key insights does she provide regarding women, work, and leadership in “Why I Want Women To Lean In”?
- In the context of “Why I Want Women To Lean In,” what are some of the challenges that women may face in the workplace, and how does Sheryl Sandberg suggest they can overcome these challenges through leaning in?
- How does Sheryl Sandberg address the concept of leadership in the context of women leaning in, and what role does she believe women should play in driving their own professional success and advancement according to “Why I Want Women To Lean In”?
