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‘Technical, but not very….’: constructing gendered identities in IT-related employment

Author

Listed:
  • Yvonne Guerrier

    (Roehampton University, y.guerrier@roehampton.ac.uk)

  • Christina Evans

    (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, c.evans@roehampton.ac.uk)

  • Judith Glover

    (Roehampton University, j.glover@roehampton.ac.uk)

  • Cornelia Wilson

    (Roehampton University, c.wilson@roehampton.ac.uk)

Abstract

Changes in the nature of skilled roles in the IT sector were predicted to create new opportunities for women, yet the proportion of women in this sector is falling.This article presents findings from interviews with senior managers in organizations that are attempting to change this situation.There was little evidence from these respondents of a radical reappraisal of the cultural assumptions about jobs and considerable evidence that gendered identities at work were being constructed in traditional ways drawing on women’s perceived ‘soft skills’.‘Hybrid’ roles combining technical and traditionally female skills were seen as the way forward. These were presented as a new way for women to work in a male dominated environment without compromising their gendered identity. The article confirms and develops, in an IT context, the challenges inherent in changing gendered occupational roles and we conclude that traditional expectations and contexts persist.

Suggested Citation

  • Yvonne Guerrier & Christina Evans & Judith Glover & Cornelia Wilson, 2009. "‘Technical, but not very….’: constructing gendered identities in IT-related employment," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 23(3), pages 494-511, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:woemps:v:23:y:2009:i:3:p:494-511
    DOI: 10.1177/0950017009337072
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Wajcman, Judy, 2005. "The Politics of Working Life," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780199271917 edited by Edwards, Paul.
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    Cited by:

    1. Sarah Mosseri & Ariadne Vromen & Rae Cooper & Elizabeth Hill, 2023. "Between Frustration and Invigoration: Women Talking about Digital Technology at Work," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 37(6), pages 1681-1698, December.

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