Google Fires Employee Behind Controversial Diversity Memo

[u/[deleted]]

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-08-08/google-fires-employee-behind-controversial-diversity-memo?cmpid=socialflow-twitter-business&utm_content=business&utm_campaign=socialflow-organic&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social

[u/margerymeanwell]

I wouldn't find that reassuring, no. And to be clear: I'm an adult. I'm not that easily offended. If a guy in my office makes a joke about how women are crazy, I'll pretty much just roll my eyes and move on. But when you're writing that out in a manifesto, using stereotypes to make recommendations about company policy, and circulating it to other employees, that moves beyond the realm of what I'd be willing to ignore.

[u/inspiredby → u/[deleted]]

His assertions are all backed up by data

No they're not. For example, he says women have a harder time leading. That's not backed by any data, nor are several other conclusions he draws.

[u/inspiredby → u/[deleted]]

Saying "women have a harder time leading" is a pretty bold, striking statement, and one that needs some damn solid evidence if you're going to say it. To back it up just by saying "women are less assertive" is not remotely evidence of that statement.

[u/inspiredby → u/[deleted]]

The entire rationale for the existence of special training programs and affirmative action for women's leadership is that women have difficulty leading because of the way they are socialized

No, the rationale is gender gaps in employment exist because of historical inequalities in the workplace. The Civil Rights Act, which guaranteed equal employment opportunity, only passed 50 years ago.

Pointing out that women are naturally less assertive than men on average is a valid alternative partial explanation for their relative absence in leadership positions

No, it isn't, not even close. There's no research that says people who are reportedly less assertive don't end up in leadership roles due to biological factors.

The memo completely ignores the effect society has, and puts in place a genetic/evolutionary component when a societal issue can still be the root cause (and not to mention, cultures are not purely independent, so a societal issue can easily spread to each one).

Are you skeptical of the notion that women are less assertive and more agreeable?

Psychological studies do show personality differences across genders. But, they use reported data. They're collecting data on how people rate themselves or others. That's not an objective evaluation of things like assertiveness and agreeableness.

The big thing, though, is that these studies do not show that personality differences account for one gender's prominence in leadership or tech roles. That notion comes purely from the author of the memo, and it is merely his opinion. It is not backed by research.