Cynthia Cheng

People often talk about the Old Boys’ Network, that old “organization” which benefited upper class males through connections, official clubs and so forth. It is supposed to be something that is should have died out a long time ago, but some of it still remains. Many believe that women do not have an equivalent, beyond volunteer groups. But is this really true? Is there no such thing as an Old Girls’ Network?

The Wall Street Journal‘s recent article about the ladies’ room would probably disagree. The author, Carol Hymowitz, talked about an experience she had when interviewing for a position in a Pittsburgh based newspaper. She was meeting her prospective boss at a lunch, and the boss, a man, brought along the woman Ms. Hymowitz would be replacing if she were offered the job. After the meal, Ms. Hymowitz excused herself to the ladies’ room and the other woman came along with her. In the bathroom, the woman quizzed Ms. Hymowitz on how she’d feel moving, or in reality, trading places with her, etc…

Later, the writer talks about the ladies’ room as a place where women get advice from others who use the facilities. The author describes the ladies’ room as a place where women not only gossip, but trade secrets and give suggestions to where one can get things at a bargain price and even promotions (Ms. Hymowitz mentioned a colleague who was offered more responsibility, but without a pay increase or change in title. She was extremely disappointed and mentioned it in one of her bathroom chats. At the suggestion of another person using the bathroom, she went to her supervisor to ask for one and lo and behold, she got it!) Ms. Hymowitz definitely makes the ladies room sound like one of those old woodsy clubs where men talked business over scotch and cigars. True, the ladies’ room is gender exclusive, but really, how many people actually break deals there?

While Ms. Hymowitz’s points are very interesting, the bathroom is probably more of an alternative to the therapist’s office than an Old Girls’ Club. One is more likely to get advice on her relationship issues than her next big move up the corporate ladder. One only spends so much time in the bathroom, even if it becomes a chat session. However, for women who cannot afford the time to network with female peers after work due to family responsibilities, a bathroom chat becomes a convenient alternative. After all, everyone needs to pee.

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