Silkkiperiaatetta

Silkkiperiaatetta, often translated as the "silk principle," is a concept used in discussions about social and economic mobility, particularly in the context of gender roles and career progression. It suggests that while overt discrimination may be absent or minimal, subtle societal expectations and biases can create invisible barriers that prevent individuals, historically women, from reaching the highest levels of professional success. This is akin to navigating a path where the overtly challenging obstacles have been removed, but the underlying structure still subtly guides individuals toward less ambitious or less powerful roles.

The term draws a parallel to the idea of a smooth, unhindered path (like silk) that nonetheless leads to a predetermined, often subordinate, outcome. It acknowledges that systemic issues, rather than direct prejudice, can perpetuate inequalities. This can manifest in various ways, including differences in networking opportunities, access to mentorship, unconscious bias in performance evaluations, or societal expectations regarding work-life balance that disproportionately affect certain groups. The silk principle highlights the need to look beyond explicit discriminatory practices and examine the more nuanced, ingrained societal structures that can limit advancement.