ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at the social context from which public managers emerge. It compares the backgrounds of women and men to show how education, socioeconomic status, and political activism playa differential role in men's and women's career advancement. Although a variety of single-dimension perspectives could be used to frame this discussion, including gender stereotyping, career development, or educational achievement, a more all-encompassing perspective is afforded by the concept of networks. The following discussion explains Why.
