Gender Bias in Workplaces: A Scoping Review of the Factors Leading the Gender Bias

Abstract

At workplaces gender is an issue with complex dynamics that has long been studied and discussed. The underrepresentation of women at workplaces, especially in senior positions, is a noteworthy problem. Identifying the underlying causes of this underrepresentation is essential to break the barriers. The aim of this study is to uncover the factors leading the main gender biases in workplaces. For this aim, Conceptual Framework of Arksey & O'Malley (2005) on scoping review methodology was used. In this study, papers indexed in Web of Science and Scopus databases between 2010 and 2022 were examined. Eligible papers were identified and selected with PRISMA guidelines. The results of the study show that in workplaces predominantly women are exposed to biases and factors leading these biases can be grouped under seven headings. These are motherhood/caring, work/family balance, skill/ competence, wage, sensitiveness/emotionality, culture, and physical appearance/ clothing.