Which term describes the invisible barrier to advancement for women in the workplace?

• A. Affirmative action
• B. Rational basis test
• C. NAACP
• D. Glass ceiling

Answer: (D)

The term describes the invisible barrier to advancement for women in the workplace: the glass ceiling. It refers to unseen obstacles—biases, stereotypes, unequal access to mentoring and high-visibility assignments, and subtle discrimination—that keep capable women from reaching top leadership roles even when they have the qualifications and experience. This concept helps explain why women are often underrepresented in executive positions and may experience slower career progression despite merit.

Affirmative action involves policies designed to increase representation of women and other groups, rather than describing a barrier. The rational basis test is a legal standard for evaluating laws in constitutional cases, not a workplace barrier concept. NAACP is a civil rights organization focused on legal and social justice work, not the phenomenon of impeded advancement.