Perceived Glass Ceiling as a Predictor of Cognitive Failure among First- Generation Female Lawyers

Abstract

“Verdicts shape society; petitions seek justice. Yet some invisible battles evade the light, fought in silence behind an unseen mask. Are the defenders of justice still trapped behind glass?” The phenomenon of the glass ceiling has been extensively studied in relation to career advancement and leadership, its influence on everyday cognitive functioning has received comparatively less attention. Therefore, the present study was conducted to examine whether perceived glass ceiling predicts cognitive failure among first-generation female lawyers in India. A sample of 70 first-generation female lawyers was collected using the Snowball sampling technique. Perceived Glass Ceiling was measured using a researcher-developed Perceived Glass Ceiling measurement tool, while Cognitive Failure was assessed using the Cognitive Failures Questionnaire 2.0 (CFQ 2.0) developed by Goodhew and Edwards (2024). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and simple linear regression analysis. The findings revealed that perceived glass ceiling significantly predicted cognitive failure , indicating that higher perceptions of career-related barriers were associated with greater cognitive failures. The findings suggest that the glass ceiling is not merely a barrier to professional growth but also a psychological experience that may influence the everyday cognitive functioning of women in the legal profession. The present study highlights that the consequences of the glass ceiling extend beyond career progression, influencing the everyday cognitive experiences of women striving to establish themselves within the legal profession.