Challenging Implicit Bias: Empowering Women in Psychology

In honour of International Women’s Day, I want to take a moment to dive into an issue that’s often unseen but shapes our experiences as women in psychology: implicit bias. The subconscious, a hidden force, influences how we are perceived, often without anyone even realizing it. While we talk about overt sexism—the direct, conscious acts of discrimination—implicit bias is something more profound. It’s more subtle but just as powerful, impacting everything from how we are treated in our careers to how we view ourselves.

As a woman in psychology, I’ve had my own experiences with this. I haven’t been told to “get married instead of pursuing my career.” I have been met with dismissiveness, assumptions, and doubt about my professional future. Have you ever been told, “Of course, you’re a psychology major—every girl is”? It reduces something I’m passionate about to a gender stereotype, a quick assumption about my academic pursuits, instead of recognizing them as legitimate interests and a career path. I’ve also encountered the stereotype that women studying psychology must be “broken” somehow. The idea that women in the field are here to “figure out what’s wrong with them” is a troubling mindset. It suggests that our motivations are rooted in personal dysfunction rather than intellectual curiosity or a desire to help others. Can you imagine how this feels? To have your academic choices reduced to something emotional, to be treated as though your career is secondary to someone else’s? It’s frustrating, to say the least.

Women in psychology—and any field, really—are often told that certain careers are more ‘legitimate’ than others, especially when the field is considered traditionally female-dominated. Corporate careers are often considered the golden standard, with societal beliefs that they lead to real success. We’ve all heard the comment: “Psychology? That’s not a real career.” But I’m here to tell you that any career can lead to success if you follow your passion and work hard at it. But here’s the thing—passion is what truly drives success, no matter the field. You can be working at the most prestigious bank, but if you're dragging your feet to work every day, you won't find success. Of course, there are different definitions of success. While the money can be there, are you reaching your full extent? Are you fulfilled in your career? Your success is truly what you make of it and the passion you exude. I’d rather choose a career that fuels my passion, even though it challenges me, than settle for something that doesn’t bring me joy or purpose.

Here’s something I want you to take away from this post: Your career path is valid, no matter what others say. No one should define your success or your worth based on what they think your career should look like. Just because a field doesn’t align with what society associates with success doesn’t mean it’s any less valuable or impactful. Psychology provides countless opportunities—clinical work, counselling, research, teaching—and all of these careers are important, impactful, and, yes, financially viable. The key is finding the passion in what you do, not what others expect you to do.

So, let’s change the narrative. Let’s stop seeing certain careers as “fallbacks” or “easier paths” just because they don’t fit the traditional mold of corporate or legal success. Let’s recognize the value in what we do and how it shapes our lives and those we work with. Your career is what you make of it. If you have a passion for helping others, solving problems, and understanding human behaviour's complexities, psychology is as worthy as any other field.

This International Women’s Day, let’s recognize the systemic challenges that still exist—like implicit bias—but let’s also celebrate the power of passion. Let’s remind each other that success is not determined by societal standards or by the people who underestimate us. It’s determined by our passion, our dedication, and our willingness to stay true to ourselves and our ambitions.