Final answer:
Jill, as a manager in a predominantly male company, is likely to be more conscious of her gender due to gender salience and workplace bias. Gender stereotypes may influence workplace dynamics, affecting how women professionals like Jill experience and navigate their professional roles.
Step-by-step explanation:
Research on self-categorization suggests that in a context with predominantly male employees, Jill, who is a manager, will be especially likely to think of herself in terms of her gender. This phenomenon is due to the increased salience of gender and the potential for gender bias in such environments. Studies such as those by Madeline E. Heilman have demonstrated that workplace bias and stereotypes can influence the perception and behavior of individuals, with women in male-dominated fields experiencing more awareness of their gender identity.
Gender identity plays a significant role in how one is perceived and treated in the workplace. Prescriptive stereotypes often place women in a position where assertive behavior is viewed negatively compared to their male counterparts, and their contributions can be undervalued. Judith Butler's concept of gender as a performance further suggests that gender roles and identities are enacted in response to societal norms, which can be highly gendered within professional settings.
Additionally, societal constructs and beliefs about gender influence the professional image that individuals, particularly women, must navigate. Dealing with the challenges of bias and the impact of stereotypes can affect how a woman like Jill perceives and asserts her identity in the workplace.