In 2017, a national dialogue emerged around the appropriateness of men spending time alone with women who are not their spouses. This conversation intensified following a Washington Post profile of Vice President Mike Pence’s wife, Karen, which revealed that Pence “never dines alone with a woman other than his wife” and also avoids events with alcohol unless she is present. Additionally, he has stated that only male aides are allowed to work late with him in his office.
This revelation sparked a significant online debate, dividing commentators along ideological lines. Some criticized Pence’s approach as rooted in misogyny and gender bias, while others defended it as a principled stance that reflects his commitment to his marriage.
Among conservative Christians, Pence’s practice is often linked to the Billy Graham Rule, named after the renowned evangelical leader who believed that men should avoid situations that could lead to sexual temptation when interacting with women outside their marriages. Graham famously refused to travel, meet, or dine alone with any woman except his wife. This rule has practical implications; for instance, female congressional staffers often find themselves excluded from private meetings and mentorship opportunities due to this perspective.
While I have no interest in meddling in the personal dynamics of Mike and Karen Pence’s marriage, I am concerned about the broader implications of his behavior and reasoning:
- Reinforcing Outdated Stereotypes: Pence’s approach perpetuates harmful stereotypes about both genders. It implies that women are primarily viewed as potential threats to a man’s fidelity, while simultaneously suggesting that men lack the self-control necessary to interact with women professionally without succumbing to temptation. These notions are detrimental not just to women, but to men as well.
- Impact on Future Generations: I have a son and a daughter, and it troubles me to think that my son might grow up believing that all interactions with women are fraught with sexual implications. I want him to see women as equals, not as objects of temptation. Likewise, I want my daughter to feel empowered in her professional relationships, rather than viewing herself as a potential source of distraction for her male colleagues.
- Limiting Opportunities for Women: The ramifications of such a rule extend to professional opportunities as well. Women in traditionally male-dominated fields would find themselves barred from business dinners, private meetings, and crucial mentorship sessions. One female engineer shared her concern: “How can I advance in my career if my boss refuses to meet with me alone? I need that one-on-one time for project updates and performance reviews.”
- Legal Considerations: From a legal standpoint, treating male and female colleagues unequally could potentially violate workplace discrimination laws. An employment lawyer noted that denying women access to working dinners with their superiors could be viewed as discriminatory. As Elura Nanos, a legal analyst, points out, treating genders differently in a professional setting is often legally problematic.
In an age when women face significant barriers in the workplace, it is imperative that they are not further marginalized due to outdated beliefs about gender interactions. Women deserve equal opportunities to participate in meetings, business trips, and collaborative projects without the fear of being perceived as a temptation to their male counterparts.
For those interested in learning more about the implications of home insemination, check out this insightful resource on pregnancy and fertility at the CDC.
In summary, Mike Pence’s refusal to engage with women professionally without his wife present not only perpetuates outdated stereotypes but also limits opportunities for women in the workplace. This mindset must evolve if we want to create a more equitable environment for future generations.