"Ironically, women who acquire power are more likely to be criticized for it than are the men who have always had it"

This quote by Carolyn Heilbrun speaks with the dual requirement that exists in society when it comes to power and sex. It recommends that females that have achieved power are more probable to be evaluated and criticized for it than men that have constantly had it. This is paradoxical due to the fact that it implies that females are not expected to have power, and also when they do, they are met with more examination as well as objection than guys. This double criterion is a reflection of the patriarchal culture we live in, where men are viewed as the all-natural holders of power and females are viewed as lower. This quote acts as a suggestion that women ought to be commemorated for their success and not judged for having power. It also functions as a phone call to action to rock the boat as well as develop a more fair culture where females are not evaluated for having power, yet instead are seen as equates to.