[LUM#14] Milo, 7 years old: Why do we see so few women building buildings or painting houses?
Good question! Are certain professions forbidden to women? No, at least not in France. However, some professions are still very rarely chosen by women, particularly, as you've seen Milo, in the construction industry where 90% of employees are men.
However, some of them would like to see more gender diversity (the presence of both sexes). Others, on the contrary, feel that these are "man's" professions. It 's like images in our heads, or preconceived ideas we have about people that are linked to their gender.
For example, Emile, a construction worker, says: "There are a lot of heavy objects to carry! For me, that's an obstacle to a woman doing this job". For Martin, site manager, "apart from lifting very heavy weights, a woman can do the same tasks as a man".
They forget that there are women who have more strength than some men, for example a wrestler! What's more, technological progress has made it possible to have tools, like forklifts, to facilitate physical work for everyone, including women.
There are also positive stereotypes, as Eric says: "They arrive on time for meetings and are much more rigorous than guys". Sometimes it's the women themselves who promote prejudices against their own sex!
The people around them sometimes try to discourage them from taking up certain professions, themselves victims of prejudice. Fortunately, in the construction industry and elsewhere, attitudes are changing and we're starting to see more gender diversity.
So how can we prevent stereotypes from preventing girls and boys from realizing their dreams? By reminding them that they should choose the career they want. That everyone benefits from working together, and that human differences can be a strength, regardless of gender.
Caroline Debray, lecturer in management science at Montpellier Research in Management.
An article in partnership with The Conversation website.
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