THE GLASS CEILING CONUNDRUM: AN ILLUSORY BELIEF OR BARRIER ON WOMEN'S CAREER ADVANCEMENT IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO KARNATAKA

Abstract

This review explores the problem of the glass ceiling—an unseen barrier inhibiting women's professional growth in the manufacturing industry, with a specific focus on Karnataka state in India. Although women's engagement in the manufacturing workforce has continuously increased, their presence in senior and leadership positions remains disproportionately low as compared to male colleagues. This study synthesizes previous research on the structural, organizational, societal, and individual barriers that make up the glass ceiling, focusing on how these barriers interact with gender norms and corporate culture. The findings show that, while some regard the glass ceiling as an illusion, empirical evidence increasingly supports its presence as a substantive barrier influenced by organizational practices, bias, and systemic injustices. The analysis also highlights major gaps in region-specific literature from Karnataka's manufacturing context, highlighting the need for targeted empirical research to guide policy, managerial practices, and gender-inclusive industrial efforts. Despite growing female employment in India, women are still severely underrepresented in senior and decision-making positions, notably in the industrial sector. The concept of the "glass ceiling" has been widely contested as either a perceived constraint or a real structural obstacle to women's career advancement. This research critically evaluates existing material to determine whether the glass ceiling in the manufacturing sector is an illusionary notion or a long-standing organizational and socio-cultural obstacle, with a focus on Karnataka. Drawing on 70 national and international research, the study synthesizes evidence about organizational practices, cultural norms, individual limits, and legislative frameworks that influence women's professional advancement.