[LUM#14] Milo, age 7: Why do we see so few women building buildings or painting houses?
Good question! Are there certain jobs that women aren’t allowed to do? No, at least not in France. However, there are still some fields where very few women work, particularly—as you’ve seen, Milo—in construction, where 90% of the workers are men.
However, some of them would like to see more gender diversity (meaning the presence of both genders). Others, on the contrary, believe these are “men’s” jobs. This is called a gender stereotype—it’s like the images in our heads, or the preconceived notions we have about people based on their gender.
For example, Emile, a construction worker, says, “There are still a lot of heavy objects to carry! For me, that’s a barrier to women entering this profession.” Martin, a site foreman, says, “Apart from lifting very heavy weights, a woman can perform the same tasks as a man.”
They forget that there are women who are stronger than some men—take female professional wrestlers, for example! Plus, technological advances have made tools like forklifts available to make physical labor easier for everyone, including women.
There are also positive stereotypes, as Eric points out: “They show up on time for meetings and are much more thorough than the guys.” Sometimes it’s women themselves who perpetuate prejudices against their own gender!
Those around them sometimes try to discourage them from pursuing certain careers, as they themselves are victims of prejudice. Fortunately, in the construction industry and elsewhere, attitudes are changing, and we are beginning to see greater diversity.
So how can we prevent stereotypes from stopping girls and boys from achieving their dreams? By reminding them that they should choose the career they want. That everyone benefits from working together, and that differences between people can be a strength, regardless of gender.
Caroline Debray, associate professor of management science at Montpellier Research in Management.
An article in partnership with The Conversation.
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