A gender gap in construction : Barriers to gender equality

Abstract: Sweden has made enormous progress when it comes to gender equality hence its ranking as first among other states with a score of 83.9 percent. Despite all the progress, there are still challenges that create a huge gender gap in gender-based professions where some professions are considered male whereas others are termed female. It is obvious that gender segregation still prevails in occupations that are traditionally gendered. The purpose of this study was to identify barriers within the construction industry that are maintaining the gender gap and frustrating Sweden's efforts to steer towards a complete gender equality. The study was analysed based on three theories, glass ceiling (Blackwell ,2017), gender theory (Connell (1996) Simone de Beauvoir, 1949) and gender system (Yvonne Hirdman, 1988) as the main theory. Seven interviews with five women in the construction industry were conducted. Discrimination in working hours, pay gap, sexual harassment, lack of role models are some of the barriers that this report highlights. The findings show that the gender gap is generated by macho culture, male superiority and firmly ingrained masculine norms as well as beliefs.