The Status of Women in Department and Specialty Stores: A Survey

Women top-executives seldom are found in large department and specialty stores. Furthermore, their ranks proportionately have been reduced at almost every managerial level in these stores over the past 30 years. This study seeks to find the reasons behind this state of affairs. Among the reasons uncovered through a survey are; 1. Women active in retailing appear to be quite satisfied with the job they hold once they have reached the level of buyer or similar status within a store. 2. Many women apparently do not want to dedicate their entire time to their jobs as men often do. 3. In spite of the opportunities for equal education in this country, women do not seek the education comparable to that sought by men. Further studies might investigate the relationship between positions held and the education received by men and women before entry into the retail field.