In this episode of The Intersectionality Lab Podcast, we explore the concept of the authority gap—the subtle but persistent ways women and marginalized voices are underestimated in both professional and personal spaces. Drawing inspiration from Mary Ann Sieghart’s book Authority Gap, we unpack how societal biases shape who gets heard, recognized, and valued.
While our conversation primarily reflects the experiences of cisgender men and women, we highlight that the authority gap extends far beyond this binary. Through personal stories, academic and professional examples, and real-life reflections, we examine how this gap shows up in everyday interactions and the broader systems that perpetuate it.
We also emphasize an intersectional perspective, exploring how race, sexuality, disability, and other identities influence the ways authority is perceived and granted. The episode offers insights, practical strategies, and recommended readings to help listeners navigate and challenge these inequalities. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation about recognition, equity, and reshaping the way society listens.
Additional resources
Sieghart, M.A. (2021).The Authority Gap: Why women are still taken less seriously than men, and what we can do about it. Doubleday.
https://www.amazon.com/Authority-Gap-women-still-seriously/dp/0857527568
Schrader, M. (director). (2022). She Said [Film]. Universal Pictures; Annapurna Pictures; Plan B Entertainment; Dentsu.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11198810
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5pxUQecM3Y
Sontag, S. (2023) On Women. Penguin Books.
https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/452365/on-women-by-sontag-susan/9780241996843
TED Talk – Why are women still taken less seriously than men?: https://www.ted.com/talks/mary_ann_sieghart_why_are_women_still_taken_less_seriously_than_men
