Sharon Meers and Joanna Strober

Getting to 50/50 by Sharon Meers and Joanna Strober

Overview:

Getting to 50/50 is a book co-authored by Sharon Meers, a former managing director at Goldman Sachs, and Joanna Strober, an entrepreneur and executive. The authors delve into the challenges women face in achieving gender equality both at home and in the workplace. They offer practical strategies and insights for couples striving to achieve a more balanced division of labor and advocate for workplace policies that support working parents.

Key Points / Ideas:

1. The value of equality:

Meers and Strober emphasize that gender equality benefits both men and women. It allows women to pursue their career ambitions and tap into their full potential, while also enabling men to become more involved fathers and have fulfilling personal lives beyond work.

2. The myth of the ideal worker:

The authors challenge the notion of the "ideal worker" who is always available, prioritizes work above all else, and is typically associated with male-centered workplaces. They argue that this outdated concept not only disadvantages working mothers but also restricts the opportunities for men to share family responsibilities.

3. Negotiating roles and expectations:

Meers and Strober encourage couples to openly discuss their roles and expectations within the family and workplace. They provide practical advice on negotiating a more equal division of household tasks, childcare responsibilities, and shared ambitions.

4. The power of extended family leave:

The authors highlight the significance of extended family leave policies, highlighting examples of progressive companies that offer longer paternity leave. They argue that such policies not only support gender equality but also benefit businesses by increasing employee loyalty and productivity.

5. The role of organizations:

Meers and Strober stress the importance of organizations in fostering gender equality. They discuss initiatives such as flexible work arrangements, on-site childcare, and parental support programs, which can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for working parents.

Conclusion:

In Getting to 50/50, Sharon Meers and Joanna Strober provide valuable insights and practical advice on achieving gender equality both at home and in the workplace. They argue that gender equality benefits everyone, and offer strategies for negotiating roles and expectations within relationships. They also advocate for organizations to implement supportive policies that empower working parents. This book is a must-read for individuals and organizations seeking to create a more balanced and inclusive world.

For further exploration on this topic, readers can also consider books like "Lean Out" by Elissa Shevinsky and "Lean In" by Sheryl Sandberg.