Laying the foundations of equality: women in the construction industry.

Abstract

This dissertation explores gender in the Construction Industry, specifically women employed in a professional capacity, the barriers they face and gender differences in recruitment and career progression. The literature review covers four main topics: gender, women in the workplace, women in construction and the construction industry. The methods used to conduct the study was qualitative. The primary research data collection consisted of eight in depth semi-structured interviews with men and women working in the Construction Industry, the questions were slightly tailored to their gender. The findings of the research present many gaps in the literature. The findings prevail barriers women face working in a male dominated industry including treatment with respect to gender, difficulties in women progressing to senior decision making positions and the effects of 'women doing a mans job'. The full findings can be identified in chapter five.