techo de cristal
Lemma Details
Translation: glass ceiling
Part of Speech: noun phrase
Etymology: A calque (direct translation) of the English term 'glass ceiling', which emerged in the 1970s as a metaphor for the invisible barrier that prevents women and minorities from rising to the upper rungs of the corporate ladder, regardless of their qualifications or achievements. The Spanish term 'techo de cristal' maintains the same metaphorical meaning, where 'techo' means 'ceiling' and 'de cristal' means 'of glass', suggesting a barrier that is invisible yet impenetrable.
Commonality: 60%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Muchas mujeres profesionales se enfrentan al techo de cristal cuando intentan ascender a puestos directivos.
Many professional women face the glass ceiling when trying to rise to management positions.
Las políticas de diversidad e inclusión buscan romper el techo de cristal en las empresas.
Diversity and inclusion policies seek to break the glass ceiling in companies.
El estudio reveló que el techo de cristal sigue siendo una realidad para muchas minorías étnicas en el ámbito laboral.
The study revealed that the glass ceiling remains a reality for many ethnic minorities in the workplace.
Mnemonics
- Think of a ceiling (techo) made of glass (cristal) that you can see through but cannot break through – just like the invisible barriers to advancement.
- Imagine looking up at a glass ceiling in an office building, symbolizing the career limitations faced by marginalized groups.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This term is widely used in discussions about gender equality, workplace discrimination, and social justice in Spanish-speaking countries. It has become particularly prominent in feminist discourse and academic studies on gender inequality in the workplace. The concept is recognized across different Spanish-speaking cultures, though awareness and acknowledgment of the issue may vary by region and political climate.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'techo de vidrio' could be literally translated as 'glass ceiling' as well (vidrio being another word for glass), the established term for the sociological concept is 'techo de cristal'. 'Techo de vidrio' might be used more literally to refer to an actual ceiling made of glass.
Notes: In some contexts, the terms might be used interchangeably, but 'techo de cristal' is the standard term for the sociological concept.
Mnemonic: 'Cristal' in this context refers to the metaphorical barrier, while 'vidrio' is more commonly used for the physical material.