ABSTRACT
This chapter utilizes government-wide survey data, complemented with observations made by federal participants in focus groups, to identify the existence and nature of a glass ceiling in the federal government. It begins with a brief discussion of the glass ceiling's ascension as a national policy issue. The chapter employs government-wide survey data to examine reasons for the poor representation of women and people of color in high-level federal jobs. It examines the career advancement experiences of women and people of color, respectively. Asian Pacific Americans have been called the "model minority" because of their impressive educational and occupational attainment. The chapter discusses the role that stereotypes play in the work environment. It provides evidence to support the notion that a glass ceiling is inhibiting the advancement of women and people of color in the federal government.
