Deborah N. Simorangkir

Has the Glass Ceiling Really Been Broken?: the Impacts of the Feminization of the Public Relations Industry in Indonesia Deborah N. Simorangkir

Public relations is often regarded as a female field. In Indonesia, women have entered PR in conventionally male-dominated fields. Women predominate in its teaching, and many are setting up their own agencies. In Indonesia, PR is a developing field where it seems that gender equity has become a reality. But has it really? This book analyzes the impacts of the feminization of PR, and whether this is benefiting women practitioners and the overall industry in Indonesia. Based on in-depth interviews with 53 PR practitioners and educators in Jakarta, and a mailing list discussion, this book analyzes factors of the glass ceiling and role congruity theories from radical feminist and liberal feminist perspectives. This analysis helps build a feminist theory of PR by demonstrating the importance of the organizational environment to the influence of PR practitioners, both male and female. On a practical level, this book went beyond the simple claim that gender discrepancies exist, and instead gave explanations and potential solutions to problems. Feminist communication scholars, PR practitioners and students will find this book especially useful.