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Women in Mining, Industry Norms, and Rural Patriarchy: A Perfect Storm

Author

Listed:
  • Donna Bridges
  • Elizabeth Wulff
  • Jodie Kleinschafer
  • Branka Krivokapic‐Skoko
  • Larissa Bamberry

Abstract

Rural industries are historically male‐dominated with women commonly out‐migrating to metropolitan areas in search of work opportunities. Rural industries, such as mining, have the potential to recruit women from rural areas, offering employment, training, and income prospects and to contribute positively to rural women's economic and employment success. However, this potential is unrealized because of unsafe and sexist workplaces. This paper reports the findings of a survey completed by women working in trade occupations in the Australian mining industry. Findings indicate that the combination of pervasive patriarchal, masculine norms in rural areas, a sexist mining industry, and ubiquitous challenges in male‐dominated workplaces combine to create a “perfect storm” of barriers for women in mining trades. We conclude that a more coordinated approach from governments and the mining industry in implementing and managing gender equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives is required to support women in the industry.

Suggested Citation

  • Donna Bridges & Elizabeth Wulff & Jodie Kleinschafer & Branka Krivokapic‐Skoko & Larissa Bamberry, 2026. "Women in Mining, Industry Norms, and Rural Patriarchy: A Perfect Storm," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 33(4), pages 1468-1479, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:gender:v:33:y:2026:i:4:p:1468-1479
    DOI: 10.1111/gwao.70135
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Donna Bridges & Elizabeth Wulff & Larissa Bamberry & Branka Krivokapic-Skoko & Stacey Jenkins, 2020. "Negotiating gender in the male-dominated skilled trades: a systematic literature review," Construction Management and Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 38(10), pages 894-916, October.
    2. Christina R. Steidl & Aislinn Roxanne Brookshire, 2019. "Just one of the guys until shower time: How symbolic embodiment threatens women's inclusion in the US military," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 26(9), pages 1271-1288, September.
    3. Natalie Galea & Abigail Powell & Martin Loosemore & Louise Chappell, 2015. "Designing robust and revisable policies for gender equality: lessons from the Australian construction industry," Construction Management and Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 33(5-6), pages 375-389, June.
    4. Maria Johansson & Lisa Ringblom, 2017. "The Business Case of Gender Equality in Swedish Forestry and Mining - Restricting or Enabling Organizational Change," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 24(6), pages 628-642, November.
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