MPA Program at CCNY
On Wednesday evening, Dr. Adriana Espinosa gave an hour-long presentation followed by an in-depth discussion of how biased language in the workplace can influence women and racial and ethnic minorities' careers.
Espinosa is a professor in CCNY's Department of Psychology who currently serves as scholar-in-residence at the Charles B. Rangel Center for Public Service.
The talk drew from Espinosa's extensive research on the underrepresentation of women and ethnic minorities in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) professions.
While overt forms discrimination, such as sexual harrassment and racial bias, lead to less hiring, lower pay, and fewer promotions for women and people of color, Espinosa's work examines the often overlooked element of the use of undermining language based on an employee’s gender or race.
Biased language causes stress that weakens performance and increases job turnover even in the absence of overt discrimination, and can even discourage women and people of color to avoid certain professions altogether.
The talk was held in the Charles Rangel Center for Public Service's auditorium, Shepard Hall Room 107, for MPA students, alumni, and faculty.