Date of Award

Summer 2014

Thesis Type

Open Access

Degree Name

Master of Liberal Studies

Advisor(s)

Dr. Rachel Newcomb

Second Advisor

Dr. Eric Smaw

Abstract

Over the course of history when women have been involved in the diplomatic, political, social, and economic structure of a country it has been found they are one of the key ingredients to building an effective and stable democracy. Investing in women strengthens the back bone of any society. Top CEO’s, such as Tupperware’s Rick Goings and Warren Buffett, have also publically supported this assumption. I argue that women in different societies have traits that have been instilled in them culturally which in turn translate directly to their ability to handle diplomatic situations and business negotiations. Societies, however intentionally or unintentionally, teach gender roles that directly affect how women perform diplomatically and in negotiation settings. In a 2014 Orlando Business Journal interview CEO, Rick Goings was asked, “Why does Tupperware stress entrepreneurial opportunies for women?” Rick Goings stated, “In emerging markets, less than thirty percent of women work outside of their homes, but women are driving the middle class growth. Once they start working with Tupperware and owning their own business they are more educated and empowered to influence the economy. Men tend to think ‘me’, but women think ‘we’. ”

Rights Holder

Liefke Cox

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