Breaking the Stigma: Women's Emotions in the Workplace
A series of recent interviews promoting the movie Wicked: For Good featuring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo has gained attention due to the emotional reactions of the actresses. The visible display of emotion has sparked discussions on social media platforms. Research indicates that women cry more frequently than men, but societal norms often discourage the expression of emotions, especially in professional environments.
During their promotional appearances for Wicked: For Good, Grande and Erivo have had emotional moments. Grande became teary-eyed in an interview with ET when discussing her decision to use her full name in the film credits, while Erivo was moved when reflecting on her portrayal of Elphaba. The emotional responses from the actresses and interviewers have drawn attention to the topic of women's emotions in the workplace.
The public reaction to Grande and Erivo's emotional interviews has raised questions about why women's emotions are still perceived as surprising or unprofessional. The expectation for women to suppress their emotions, particularly in professional settings, challenges traditional norms of behavior. The stigma surrounding crying at work can have negative consequences, as evidenced by a survey showing that a majority of workers believe there are repercussions for displaying emotions in the workplace.
Studies have shown that the context in which crying occurs at work influences how it is perceived by colleagues. Crying in public settings during formal meetings or reviews may lead to harsh judgments of unprofessionalism, while crying in private settings is viewed more sympathetically as a response to difficult situations. Frequent displays of emotion at work can also impact career advancement opportunities, as individuals who are labeled as "frequent criers" may face limitations in their professional growth.
The public response to Grande and Erivo's emotional interviews highlights the societal attitudes towards women's emotional expression. The perception of tears as manipulative or insincere can have detrimental effects on a woman's career, leading to negative evaluations and reduced support from colleagues. While crying is a natural human response, the workplace culture often discourages emotional displays, especially for women.
Despite the potential career consequences of showing emotions at work, Grande and Erivo's emotional moments during the press tour are unlikely to harm their careers. The entertainment industry often allows for vulnerability and emotional expression from its stars. The public reaction to these emotional displays reflects broader societal expectations regarding women's emotional behavior and the need to reevaluate these norms to create more inclusive and supportive workplaces.
The public scrutiny of Grande, Erivo, and other women who show emotions in professional settings underscores the ongoing challenges faced by women in balancing emotional expression with professional expectations. By reexamining societal attitudes towards women's emotions and promoting a more inclusive workplace culture that values emotional authenticity, we can create environments that prioritize individuals' work contributions over gendered stereotypes about emotional expression.