Female architects : coping in a masculine environment

Abstract

Women's participation in the workforce has dramatically increased and there is a rich f literature about women's issues in the labour market. While it is true that occupational barriers to women are being removed, other parts of society have not responded so quickly. When discussing men and women in the labour market whether in Malta or in any other country, perceptions, and attitudes produced by sex divisions based on stereotype cultural artefacts still persist. Indeed there are many gender discrepancies which still exists in occupations where male still dominate in some occupations and whereas female are more prevalent in other areas. Even within the same occupation strict demarcation lines separating men and women workers are still existent.. Women appear to perceive the meaning of their careers differently than men. This study aims to give an account of women's experiences in occupations that have traditionally been dominated by men. For this purpose, in depth interviews with 5 women architects who are employed in a construction company were conducted and interviews were analyzed by a qualitative method. Research questions in semi-structured interviews specified different interests regarding women's career development in occupations where women are conspicuous by their absence. The issues that participants experienced as women in this traditional male dominated occupation included stereotyping, harassment, exclusion from male bonded culture, and recognition of difference between male and women at work. In order to cope with these issues and difficulties as women in male-dominated environment, women adopted various strategies like proving their ability, showing confidence, avoiding emotional reactions and show the though side. The implications behind these divisions which hinder the equal sharing of roles and responsibilities of the women's labour force vary, but the most prominent are the traditional culture, the under- employment, the glass ceiling and sticky floors. Regarding their meanings for their Architecture career and contribution to their career success were accomplishment and commitment, happiness in the work they do and balance in their family. Recommendations for future research and practices are suggested for women's career development and advancement, especially in these non-traditional occupations.