This thesis examines four questions. What is gender inequality, what is its level in the workplace especially in the public relations field, why does it exist, and what can we do to change that? Finally, an integrated marketing communications campaign will be planned to address the issue among students at the University of Mississippi
The first chapter of this thesis examines the current level of gender inequality in the workplace and why these barriers exist in the workplace. In 2013, it was found that “ratio of women’s and men’s median annual earnings was 78.3 percent for full-time/year round workers “(Hartmann,1). Possible reasons for this disparity include unequal compensation, company culture, communication differences, and work-life balance ("The Glass Ceiling: Domestic And International Perspectives," 4).
The second chapter examines gender inequality within the field of public relations. Women make up 67% of public relation professionals, yet they still make less than men do in the same field. The reason for this disparity was because men had more professional experience and women endured more career interruptions. Also, renowned public relations professional Harold Burson said work life balance was one of the biggest barrier women in public relations faced.
In a survey distributed to students at the University of Mississippi, 84% of respondents agreed that gender inequality was an important issue. Based on the secondary and primary research collected, an integrated marketing campaign targeted toward these college students sought to increase awareness of gender inequality in the workplace as they head into the professional world
