Could Elizabeth’s story happen today? How have things changed in the work place then?
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Fortunately, I’d like to believe that Elizabeth’s story was a sign of the times and today she would be recognized for her achievements. I hope I’m not living in lala land but I think women have come a long way since the 50s and 60s.
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This is such a great question! Thank you for putting it forward for comment. Elizabeth Zott’s experience was indeed indicative of the era in which the story takes place. That said, I think it is a bit dangerous to believe that these types of situations have been eliminated from the workplace environment. They have not. The underlying, power-based mindset that perpetuates the types of discriminatory and predatory situations in the book, persists. Our personal freedoms and the basic right to be treated with dignity and respect are never guaranteed. Even now, women’s achievements in the historical record are being systematically expunged. On the surface, this may not seem relevant to workplace dynamics or discrimination, but even a small rollback to a 50s view of gender “equality” is chilling to me. So my answer to the question is, yes, I believe a version of Elizabeth’s story could not only be possible, but is likely happening as we speak.
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Things have changed in the workplace for women. But unfortunately I feel these situations have not been eliminated from the workplace. Women should be treated with respect and dignity. I feel Elizabeth would be recognized in today’s society, whereas she was hidden behind her husband’s name.
I agree that Elizabeth’s story remains an issue today. A number of factors make this possible, including pride, misogyny and HR departments that look the other way and/or don’t address the issue when it exists.