Is gender holding women back in aviation? : an exploration of factors influencing low female representations in pilot and engineering jobs

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to identify and evaluate the main factors hindering women from pursuing technical roles in the aviation industry. Roles such as that of a pilot or engineer are still portrayed as masculine. This study aims to determine why women are not attracted to such occupations and ultimately provides recommendations in attempt to improve the situation. There are two methods of data collection throughout the long essay. Firstly, the literature review chapter provides an amalgamation of information gathered from various sources such as journal articles and book chapters. Several themes emerged from the analysis of literature as factors that make women desist from taking up these careers in the aviation industry – gender harassment, psychological and emotional barriers. Further on in the study, a qualitative approach was undertaken to obtain primary data. Semi – structured interviews were conducted with different personalities involved in the industry and their views were shared on the research question. Their responses were compared and contrasted in the data analysis chapter. Further themes emerged from this analysis. There were also similarities between the primary and secondary data. In the conclusion the factors that emerged from the two sources of data were summarized. Based on the results elicited, the author was able to put forward suggestions that airlines, educational institutions as well as the industry itself could take into consideration in order to make the field a more appealing one for women.