Re: Flawed assumptions
"The case is based on the assumption that all other things being equal, people tend to prefer members of the same social group."
In a neutral environment where people can choose their social circle I may have conceeded this point. In a forced work environment I do not believe this to be the case.
At work virtually everyone I know - with a few bigotted exceptions - everyone I know will choose to be biased towards the person who is easy to get along with and who makes the teams job easier and therefore their lives easier. Merit is the driving factor for most.
Women who focus on gender issues instead of work, who cause friction in the workplace will be passed over for promotion for good reason.