Review: Male Allies at Work

The article by Moser and Branscombe (2021) explores the role of male allies in supporting women in predominantly male work environments. The researchers conducted three studies, focusing on STEM fields, to examine the impact of male allyship on women's feelings of isolation and support from coworkers. They found that in environments with female underrepresentation and no male ally, women anticipated feeling less supported and more isolated. However, the presence of a male ally increased perceptions of support, respect, and identity safety for women. Female allies were also beneficial but not as effective as male allies in transforming the workplace. The race of the male ally did not significantly impact women's perceptions. The findings suggest that male allies can play a crucial role in creating inclusive work environments and promoting gender equality. The research has implications for organizations, such as the Canadian Armed Forces, that aim to increase female representation and retention. Encouraging male allyship through allyship programs could foster culture change and enhance women's sense of belonging and value within nontraditional roles.