While the advice given in the book Lean In helped push women to change their habits, research shows that more structural change is needed before the playing field between men and women is leveled, Bloomberg reported June 3.
Sheryl Sandberg's book Lean In encouraged women to alter their behavior and empower themselves to get to the top of the working world. The message of the book resonated with many women who realized that internalized sexism was holding them back, and were encouraged to speak up more and ask for what they want.
However, some research has shown that advice ignores the real structural factors that hold women back. Leanin.org's own research showed that although women were asking for more raises than before, they were less likely to get them. They were also more likely to be told they were being bossy and aggressive.
"I don’t subscribe to the ethos that women simply need to work harder to be successful," said Natasha Lamb, a managing partner at activist investment firm, "There is structural sexism built into the system.”
Women are demanding bigger solutions, like paid family leave and sick pay and subsidized child care.