Gender Roles In the Construction Trades: Barriers and Tools of Resilience as Experienced by Tradeswomen

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Wednesday 9:45 am - Gold 2
  In Roundtable Session: Inclusion and Equity in Career and Technical Education and Workplace Learning

Abstract

This phenomenological study explores the role of gender and hegemonic masculinity in the skilled construction trades, as well as how feminist theories have supported women in these professions. The findings reveal that gender roles and hegemonic masculinity play an important role in what has prevented women from seeking employment in the construction trades. Additionally, participants overwhelmingly reported on the importance of allyship as a tool of resilience. The study prompts examination of outdated binary gender roles and expectations within the construction trades and asserts that women can and should work in any place they desire, including and especially as construction tradeswomen.

Author

• Ashley Nesladek, University of Colorado - Denver