Tacit Assumptions

In respect to training and job opportunities, over the years companies and individuals have sent women mixed messages about the number of opportunities available, the number of women already successful in the field, and the likelihood that such opportunities will be open to women seeking careers in the future.  In spite of the apparent awareness of women in the field displayed in these messages, others imply an intention to reach an expected masculine audience.  Company activities, newsletters, and advertisements have addressed men specifically as the known presence in the field and have appealed to their expected interests.  In such communications women have often been portrayed in the roles of wife or sex object.  Ads that directly address women demonstrate expectations that women are - or should be - as concerned as men about their own physical appearance and their roles as wives, and that women are not inclined toward scientific endeavors.