This document discusses the glass ceiling phenomenon, which refers to an invisible barrier that prevents women and minorities from advancing to higher-level positions in their careers. It defines the glass ceiling as advancement being stopped due to discrimination. Common factors that contribute to the glass ceiling include gender stereotypes, lack of family-friendly policies, and unequal pay. Effects on women include feeling like outsiders in leadership and doubting their own worth. Issues related to the glass ceiling are that many women earn inadequate wages or leave their careers to raise families, showing how this barrier limits women's economic opportunities.