Groothuis defines 'human' as having higher rational functions including decision-making, then argues that denying women leadership over men is inherently dehumanizing.

Groothuis's argument hinges on defining humanity through higher rational functions, especially decision-making. She reasons that leadership/decision-making over others IS being human, so denying women this capacity by virtue of their gender is dehumanizing. Mike does not follow this reasoning — he has the capacity to be president but is not, and that doesn't dehumanize him.