Modern Inequality

What does it mean to be subject to the norms of society - both in principle and in our daily lives? As a young woman getting read to enter the job market, I have already seen a few real challenges. I was talking with a female graduating senior tonight who was reflecting about an experience at a reception with a company for a job interview. As she was standing in a group of men listening to one person talk, she realized she was getting edged out of the circle. Her arms were crossed and her feet were taking up little space. As she realized that this was happening, she put her hands on her hips and stood with her feet shoulder width apart. She distinctly reclaimed her place in the circle. Stories like hers are not uncommon. I do recognize that the equal opportunities are much more readily available today than decades ago. Yet, there are still implicit and explicit barriers. How does one begin to play within the system for the sake of getting by, yet not remain complacent to unfair treatments and policies? I hate the idea of asking for an exception for any reason - the idea that I might not be able to play by the same rules by which others abide. So when is it asking for an exception, and when is it reacting to the realities of inequality?