Male and female perspectives on equality measures for the UK construction sector

Abstract

There have been a number of significant research projects that have explored aspects of women’s under‐representation and underachievement within the UK construction industry. These have demonstrated that, given an appropriate level of knowledge and insight, women could be attracted to the sector in greater numbers. However, they have also suggested that if women are to remain in the sector in the long‐term, then efforts must be made to ensure an equitable workplace environment. Presents the findings of research that explored the attitudes of both male and female construction professionals to a range of equality measures. There was a significant difference between their responses to most of the measures, as men were opposed to initiatives that threatened the current culture of the industry’s operating environment. A strategy of selectively implementing measures with some degree of consensus between men and women is suggested. Measures to promote equality in construction must offer mutual benefits to men and women if they are to be successful.

Citation

Dainty, A.R.J., Bagilhole, B.M. and Neale, R.H. (2001), "Male and female perspectives on equality measures for the UK construction sector", Women in Management Review, Vol. 16 No. 6, pp. 297-304. https://doi.org/10.1108/EUM0000000005820