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Research and theoretical papers
Published: 03-08-2010

Researching UK Women Professionals in SET: A Critical Review of Current Approaches

Loughborough University
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Sarah Barnard

Research Associate

Civil and Building Engineering

University of New South Wales
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Abigail Powell

Research Associate

Social Policy Research Centre

Loughborough University
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Barbara Bagilhole

Professor of Social Policy and&Equal Opportunities, Department of Social Sciences
Loughborough University
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Andrew Dainty

Professor of Construction Sociology

Civil and Building Engineering

science engineering and technology professions cultures occupations gender

Abstract

In the UK and elsewhere, progress and achievements in tackling the under-representation of women in science, engineering and technology (SET) are far outweighed by the investment in this area in terms of both research and initiatives. The authors attempt to explain this by presenting a critical analysis of the development of research on women professionals in SET. This critique is structured around four approaches identified in the literature: essentialist constructions of science and gender; barriers facing women professionals in SET; the assimilation of women in SET; and the business case for change. It is argued that existing research in the field does not always offer practical solutions for change and has a tendency to situate women as part of the problem. It concludes that future research and solutions must be multi-faceted, evidence-based and policy oriented if equality is to be perceived not only as a ‘women’s issue’ and real cultural change is to be instigated in the sector.

How to Cite

Barnard, S., Powell, A., Bagilhole, B., & Dainty, A. (2010). Researching UK Women Professionals in SET: A Critical Review of Current Approaches. International Journal of Gender, Science and Technology, 2(3). Retrieved from https://genderandset.open.ac.uk/index.php/genderandset/article/view/65