What term is associated with the barriers some individuals face that prevent them from ascending in their careers?

The term "glass ceiling" refers to the invisible barriers that prevent certain individuals, particularly women and minorities, from advancing to higher levels within their careers, despite having the qualifications and abilities necessary to succeed. This concept highlights that there are systemic obstacles and biases that can limit mobility and promote inequality in the workplace. The glass ceiling can manifest in various forms, including discrimination in promotion practices, lack of mentorship opportunities, or company cultures that do not support diversity in leadership roles.

Understanding the glass ceiling is crucial for recognizing the broader societal issues tied to discrimination and inequality in professional settings. While other terms like "social ladder" or "meritocracy" may relate to career advancement, they do not specifically identify barriers to progression. Similarly, "career plateau" describes a situation where an individual reaches a point in their career where they are no longer progressing, but it does not necessarily imply that these barriers are imposed externally as the term "glass ceiling" does.