Women in School Administration: A Review of the Research

Abstract

The research area of women in administration, management and leadership is receiving increasing attention. This review focuses on research published since 1974. The dominant approach has explained women’s underrepresentation in administration in terms of socialization to sex role stereotypes. In the past decade, other theories have been applied to explain women’s experiences in organizations. The processes of career socialization and structural characteristics of organizations maintain inequalities. Theories of devaluation of women and social power and status have been advanced to explain the behavior of men and women in organizations and in the larger society. The review examines research on minority women in school administration and discusses changes directed at improving women’s access to leadership positions.