Diversity and power in the changing American workforce

¶ … American history, the Caucasian male will be outnumbered in the workplace. Because of changing social values, affirmative action, anti-discrimination legislation, and changing demographics, increasing numbers of women and minorities are entering the workforce. The implications of these changes are far-reaching. First, the shift could minimize discrimination; diversity in the workplace might increase tolerance nationwide. Contact and familiarity might also reduce stereotyping. However, the opposite might happen: prejudiced persons might resent the fact that women and minorities are rising to positions of power that were once occupied by white males and therefore the situation could increase tension and discord in certain situations.

Second, the changing American workforce could mean that more and more positions of power will be occupied by women and minorities. Currently, women and minorities are underrepresented in political and economic spheres of power. However, as the general labor force becomes more diverse, with European white males no longer in the majority, more women and people of color will naturally fill in positions of power once occupied exclusively by white men. The effect will also trickle into the political arena: the more minorities and women are visibly in positions of power in companies and organizations, the more women and minorities will be elected as public officials and perhaps, some day, to the highest office in America, the Presidency.