Myth: The business case for diversity is effective in creating equality
When we talk about an organization’s “case” for diversity, we’re talking about the set of justifications or reasons it gives for why diversity is an important organizational value. A common case that organizations make for promoting DEI is the business case for diversity: the idea that diversity is important because it boosts an organization’s bottom line. The business case seems harmless, or maybe even helpful, but research has found that using it to advocate for equality could, in some cases, be doing more harm than good. This episode debunks the myth that the business case for diversity is effective for creating equality for marginalized groups. GATE’s Busted podcast is made possible by generous support from BMO. Featured Guests: Dr. Oriane Georgeac, Assistant Professor of Management and Organizations, Boston University Dr. Anamik Saha, Professor of Race and Media, University of Leeds Produced by: Carmina Ravanera and Dr. Sonia Kang Edited by: Ian Gormely
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Myth: Women should step aside as they age; men should step up
While anyone can experience ageism at work, research shows that women tend to have unique, and typically more severe, experiences. No matter how accomplished they are and no matter how effective they continue to be, older women are perceived as ageing out of relevance. It’s a different story for older men. They’re usually perceived as aging into wisdom and given more power and leadership opportunities. In this episode, we’ll bust this myth—that older women should step aside while older men should step up—and explore the gendered nature of ageism. GATE’s Busted podcast is made possible by generous support from BMO. Featured Guests: Dr. Ellie Berger, Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology at Nipissing University Dr. Karen Ross, Professor Emerita of Gender and Media, Newcastle University Produced by: Carmina Ravanera and Dr. Sonia Kang Edited by: Ian Gormely
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Myth: Artificial intelligence is bias-free
Many people think of AI as objective and neutral, something that not only makes our lives easier, but also helps us to eliminate the biases that plague human cognition and decision-making. While it’s true AI can do a lot for us, it’s a myth that AI is bias-free. In fact, AI can amplify the bias and perpetuate the inequality that is already rampant in our society. In this episode, we’ll explore how and why AI isn’t as fair as we’d like to believe, the consequences of bias in AI, and what responsible and ethical AI could look like. GATE’s Busted podcast is made possible by generous support from BMO. Featured Guests: Allison Cohen, Senior Manager, Applied Projects, Mila Dr. James Zou, Associate Professor of Biomedical Data Science and, by courtesy, of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, Stanford University Produced by: Carmina Ravanera and Dr. Sonia Kang Edited by: Ian Gormely
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Special Episode - Dr. Jen Gunter on menstruation myths
Dr. Jen Gunter joined us at the Rotman School of Management to talk about her new book, Blood: The Science, Medicine, and Mythology of Menstruation. In this conversation with GATE’s founding director, Dr. Sarah Kaplan, she discusses the many myths around menstruation and the impact that misinformation and stigma about menstruation have on women’s health and on society. Listen in to learn about how periods and reproductive health are linked to purity culture and patriarchy, as well as to social, economic, and political outcomes. GATE’s Busted podcast is made possible by generous support from BMO. Featured Guests: Dr. Jen Gunter, OB/GYN, pain medicine physician, and bestselling author Dr. Sarah Kaplan, Founding Director of the Institute for Gender and the Economy, Distinguished Professor of Gender and the Economy, Professor of Strategic Management, and Fellow of the Lee-Chin Family Institute for Corporate Citizenship, Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto Produced by: Carmina Ravanera and Dr. Sonia Kang Edited by: Ian Gormely
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Myth: Being LGBTQ+ doesn't matter at work
What does being LGBTQ+ have to do with your job? Actually, a whole lot. LGBTQ+ people face many barriers at work, and to being employed in the first place – like hiring discrimination, microaggressions, and lower earnings. And, if people feel like they have to hide who they are at work, it can take a huge toll. Sexual and gender identity are a part of who we are, and like other aspects of our identities, they affect how people perceive us and the opportunities we have. This episode busts the myth that being LGBTQ+ doesn’t matter at work. GATE’s Busted podcast is made possible by generous support from BMO. Featured Guests: Dr. Lee Airton, Associate Professor of Gender and Sexuality Studies in Education, Queen’s University Dr. Erin Cech, Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology and Associate Professor by courtesy in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan Dr. Bianca D.M. Wilson, Associate Professor of Social Welfare, University of California Los Angeles Produced by: Carmina Ravanera and Dr. Sonia Kang Edited by: Ian Gormely
Does achieving gender equality only benefit women? Are gender quotas thwarting meritocracy? Are women more risk averse than men? If you think you know the answers to these questions, then think again! Busted is an audio podcast series that busts prominent myths surrounding gender and the economy by teaming up with leading experts in the field. We uncover the origins of each myth and give you the tools to bust each myth yourself!
Busted is a GATE audio series production from the Institute for Gender and the Economy.
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