Preface
Recent studies have shown that more women are entering accounting than ever before. At entry level the statistics show that the ratios between men and women entering the profession are equal, but further up the hierarchy the numbers of women begins to dwindle. A plethora of research exists into female representation across the accounting profession. Despite the abundance of accountancy-based literature the findings are somewhat equivocal in their explanations. Singh & Vinnicombe (2002) suggest that “Explanations are important, as they form the basis on which diagnostics are made and interventions designed to redress the situation”. Thus, if effective steps are to be taken to improve the situation, the problems and their reasons must be defined and the heart of the matter understood. If the definition is incorrect the solution will also be incorrect. The development of culture and society has created norms that are beginning to be challenged and perceived as injustice in society.
Page 3: Preface
Page 3 - 4: Introduction
Synopsis of Women’s Representation in Accountancy
Page 5: Aims & Objectives
Page 6 – 10: Methodology
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Page 11 – 16: Literature Review: Accountancy-based Research
Page 11 – 14: The hierarchical structure of the profession
Page 14 – 16: Female traits, characteristics and stereotypes
Page 16: Women do not aspire to the same career fulfilment as men
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Page 24 – 25: The ‘Old Boys’ Network
Page 25 – 27: Gender Differences
Page 27 – 29: Gendered Definitions:
Page 30 - 32: Introduction to Feminism
Page 33: Gender Equality in an Unequal World
Page 34 – 36: Conclusion & Summary
Page 37: Glossary of Terms
Page 38 – 42: Bibliography
