Final answer:
The term 'glass ceiling' describes the invisible barrier preventing women and minorities from ascending to leadership roles due to systemic discrimination, demonstrating a significant impact on both personal opportunities and economic growth. It is reinforced by gender stereotypes and motherhood biases. Addressing it requires systemic change and promoting workplace equity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Term Describing Barriers to Leadership for Minorities and Women:
The term used to describe the barrier preventing minorities and women from rising to positions of power or responsibility is known as the glass ceiling. This invisible barrier is rooted in systemic discrimination and gender roles that circumscribe professional advancement. It is evident in the disparity of women in top executive roles, exemplified by the fact that in 2021, only 41 of the world's largest 500 companies were led by women, a mere eight percent.
Instances like Mexican-American scientist Lydia Villa-Komaroff overcoming discrimination to make significant contributions to biology highlight the loss to innovation and the economy when barriers like the glass ceiling persist. Gender stereotypes and biases, particularly concerning aggression and motherhood, exacerbate these barriers.