> But in my reading of the paper's conclusion, women have less desire for promotions and power, but it's because they see those things as causing them strife.
Actually, the paper does not draw such a conclusion. They explicitly say that both "powerful positions have more negative consequences for women" and "women have less intrinsic desire for power and related privileges" are viable, possibly complimentary theories, and that distinguishing between these theories goes beyond this paper.
> Identifying the origin of the differences between men’s and
women’s professional aspirations is beyond the scope of the
current research. Our findings may be the result of biological gender differences, learned preferences that have developed in response to cultural norms and gender-based discrimination, or both. In addition, supply-side factors (e.g., personal goals) and demand-side factors (e.g., gender-based backlash and discrimination) are inextricably linked.
>Actually, the paper does not draw such a conclusion. They explicitly say that both "powerful positions have more negative consequences for women" and "women have less intrinsic desire for power and related privileges" are viable, possibly complimentary theories, and that distinguishing between these theories goes beyond this paper.
There could be less positive consequences as well. At least in the culture I was raised in, a man's position factors more into their 'general attractiveness' than a woman's does. There are likely many different explanations as to why and I don't know which ones have evidence supporting and which ones have been shown false. Even if this isn't true at all, if men think it is true, it still means that earning promotions has more perceived benefit.
Actually, the paper does not draw such a conclusion. They explicitly say that both "powerful positions have more negative consequences for women" and "women have less intrinsic desire for power and related privileges" are viable, possibly complimentary theories, and that distinguishing between these theories goes beyond this paper.
> Identifying the origin of the differences between men’s and women’s professional aspirations is beyond the scope of the current research. Our findings may be the result of biological gender differences, learned preferences that have developed in response to cultural norms and gender-based discrimination, or both. In addition, supply-side factors (e.g., personal goals) and demand-side factors (e.g., gender-based backlash and discrimination) are inextricably linked.