Gender Inequality in Social Prominence in Elementary Schools’ Instructional Advice and Information-Seeking Networks

• In Event: The Role of Social Networking in School Leadership

Abstract

This study uses data from 30 elementary schools’ instructional advice and information-seeking networks to examine whether there are gender differences in social prominence, as measured by degree and betweenness centrality, in female-dominated organizations. Past research suggests that underrepresented groups within an organization may be prone to social isolation and have limited access to social networks (Ibarra, 1993; Kanter, 1977). This study’s findings suggest that, despite the small number of men in each school, there are no significant gender differences in centrality even after controlling for individual attributes and formal leadership positions.

Author

• Andrea Prado Tuma, Northwestern University