Dissertation - VIVA Presentation - Evolution of Women in the Construction Industry

1. EVOLUTION OFWOMEN
IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
School of Architecture, Building and Design
Bachelor of Quantity Surveying (Honors)
VIVA Presentation
0330764 Wan Yee Len
Supervisor: Dr. Myzatul Aishah Kamarazaly

2. Introduction
of female construction
workforces within the industry13%
Women
Men
Male dominated
The construction industry has
historically been described as a
non-traditional, male-dominated
occupation for women.

3. Problem Statement
Advancing
Women
In actuality, the representation
of women in the construction
industry has increased
enormously during recent
decades in the majority of
developed countries.
Gender-role evolution
General lack of public
understanding
about the significant presence of women
in the construction industry
Career progression of women in the construction industry

4. Research Objectives
Research
Objectives
Evolution of women in the construction industry
Factors
Barriers &
Challenges
Perceptions Evolution
To determine the barriers and
challenges encountered with
regards to women’s participation
in the construction sector
To identify the drivers which
led women into the
construction field
To assess the perceptions
towards women working in
construction roles from ancient
times to the present day
To assess the evolution of
women’s involvement in the
construction industry

5. Literature Review
TRADITIONAL vs MODERN
Submissive
The construct of traditional femininity
idealizes dignity and modesty, wherein
tasks considered as such including
baking, gardening, caring for children
and home—”Women’s work”. Women
were socialized to portray themselves
as “precious, fragile, and ill-suited for
anything requiring physical exertion”.
“Femininity is knowing how to listen‒men love it!”
Girl power
Femininity today is associated with
attributes of being independent,
outspoken, compassionate, wisdom and
creativity. Today’s verity for a modern
woman involves the opportunity to
approach to masculine power that has
never been conceivable, such that
women can be career-committed
working mothers.
WHAT GOES ON IN THE
CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
Patriarchal control
Route of involvement in the construction industry was made
male-exclusive. The debarment of women was to ensure that
the inheritance of property and power persisted with the
privileged group.
Gender pay gap
In the 14th century, women
were paid less than their
male co-workers with
estimation at between
50% ‒ 70%
In 2018, a RICS survey
found that men were paid
36% more than women
even though both gender
carries the same job.
Law enactment
The conspicuous of statute being the setting up of a framework for wage assessment
and non-gender-specific system to include women in the construction industry.
Consequently, women claimed admittance by right of the enforcement.

6. Literature Review
in the construction industry
Barriers ChallengesFactors
Theories on career development
Law and legislation
Organizations and initiatives
Equality Act 2010
Equal Pay Act 1970
Sex Discrimination Act 1975
Race Relations Act 1976
Employment Equality Regulations 2003
Equality Act 2006
Equality Act Regulations 2007
Marketing
Sociocultural
issues
Industry, culture
and environment
Building interest in young generations Associations supporting women in construction
NAWIC
National Association of Women in Construction
WIBM
Wanita Industri Binaan Malaysia
Poor industry
image and
visualization
Lack of
knowledge of
construction
industry
Biased
recruitment
practices and
procedures
Societal roles
and cultural
beliefs
Personal
female
attributes
Male-
dominated
culture
Remuneration
discrimination
Hostile work
environment
Lack of role models
Undervaluation of women’s work
Glass ceiling phenomenon
450 employees
50% never had a female chief executive
25% had had one female boss
5% had had three female managers
Popularity with
female workforces
Earnings
Jobs are paying less when “feminized”
Deprived of hierarchy
advancement opportunity
Randstat Survey
Holland’s Theory of Vocational Choice
Super’s Life Span Developmental Theory
Krumboltz’s Social Learning Theory

7. Research Methodology & Target Population & Data Analysis
Qualitative Research
Interview
Target population
Male and female
Registered Quantity Surveyor
Structured and
Open-ended questions
Thematic analysis
5
8 Respondents

8. Data Analysis – Key Findings 1
Financial aspect
Job prospect
Limited
option
Only course offered
Cultural background
Personality and
interest
Dominant factors
Respondents: 13
Probable factors
in pursuance of encouraging more women into the construction industry
The Ministry of Education Malaysia plays a
significant role in providing publicity to
construction industry, as well as
emboldening and inspiring women.
Government initiative
Construction employers should invest in
building a cohesive workplace
environment–safeguard women from
exploitation–family friendly policies.
Organizational effort
Image formation
Improve industry image
Accommodation of women in construction industry
Gender equality
Ensure inclusiveness
Recognition and appreciation
Make known success stories of female
achievers. Women held to deserved
remuneration.
in the construction industry

9. Data Analysis – Key Findings 2
Discriminatory ethics in workplace
Remuneration discrimination
“Less pay for the same work”.
9/13
Biased recruitment
practices and procedures
Employers make decisions of hiring in favour of
gender, particularly due to the notion of men
with suitable traits for construction careers.
4/13
Hierarchy impediment
Women being robbed of opportunity to
advancement in the organisational hierarchy.
1/13
Workplace
harassment
Workplace harassment
Discriminatory
Personal
Power
Psychological
7 were confronted
with aggressive
pressure personally
4 suffered from
emotional abuse
3
experienced either:
• racial
• gender
• religious
• age-based
• disability-based 2 suffered from
power disparity
Sexual
Scarcely 1 had
tackled with
The bottom line is that a conclusion must not be jumped into without correctly interpreting the insights.
Poor industry image and visualization
Societal roles and cultural beliefs
Personal female attributes
3D
Dirty
Difficult
Dangerous
Male-dominated
Physical demanding
and deemed
unsuitable for women.
Demonstration
of capabilities
Earning men’s
respect
Second class people
Physically weak Mentally weak
7/13 5/13
with regards to participation

10. Data Analysis – Key Findings 3
of women working in construction roles
Gender dynamics in leadership
1 2 10
Women would
do a better job
Men would do a
better job
No difference
Leadership qualities
Makes good decisions
Working well under pressure
Willing to take risks
Persuasive
Compassionate and empathetic
Honest and ethical
Polite
and respecting
9
Communicate
transparently
Behave
ethically
Provide assistance
when needed
Appreciative
Punctual
and professional
Cooperative
and collaborative
12
10
10
Develop high
quality work
8
8
7
7
Count of respondent’s perceived impression

11. Data Analysis – Key Findings 4
An even
mix of men
and women
More
men than
women
More
women
than men
2 4 7
of women’s involvement in construction industry
Workplace involvement
Determining whether a diversified
workforce was employed
Women were affirmed to be participating in
specific professionals in construction industry
instead of a tradesperson.
Respondents majorly indicated women’s
involvement in desk jobs.
“Girl power”
Declaring women’s empowerment and independence.
Breaking social stigma of women adhering as housewife
Women today procure the freedom to pursue a career as they are
believed to possess the capabilities and qualifications to do so.
Women are self-sustaining
as they pursue a career
Exempt from depending on
their spouses financially.
Women’s wages become
contributions to the family,
thus reducing monetary
burden.
Promotion of gender
equality
Women are capable to work as
men do, while men are not ruled
out to be a househusband.
Women are serious competitor
Never stopped improving themselves so that they can
stand shoulder to shoulder with men in the society.
Physically strong
in maintained
health and wellbeing
Mentally strong
ambitious and competitiveness
in achieving goals
Improved industry image
Recognizing women as valuable resources
for development of construction industry itself.
Industry needs
• Desk jobs
• Managerial roles
• Leaders
Dominance of
women in specific
professionals
Innovative ideas
Involvement of women can create innovative opinions
rather than centralizing on ideas by men as per tradition.
Evolutionary change
in workforce diversity
Potential increment of women
participation in the construction
industry.
Future expectations of the industry
Ascending
trend
New development of millennium
automation technologies
Increase adoption of
Industrialized Building System (IBS)
11
Engagement of child in the industry
Yes
2No

12. Conclusion
Historical Modern
Overlapping perceptions and practices
Unconscious bias in the forms of selective
recruitment procedures and remuneration
discrimination are still prevalent.
The average person can perceive a very
stereotypical view of individuals working in
construction industry due in the lack of
understanding.
values and positive
effects upon WOMEN’S CONTRIBUTIONS.

13. Recommendation
Population of interest
Comprehensive and impartial findings obtained, by and large, were in the opinions of
construction employees of white-collar rather than those involved on-site or trade jobs.
Critical issues such as discriminatory ethics and workplace harassment may differ in
severity due in gender segregation and workplace environment.

14. End of presentation

15. References
Barker, K. (2014, February 27). A man’s world: How can construction attract more women? Retrieved November 23, 2019, from Construction News: https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/agenda/a-mans-
world-how-can-construction-attract-more-women-27-02-2014/#
Bennett, J. (1992). Medieval women, modern women: across the great divide. In D. Aers, Culture and history, 1350-1600: essays on English communities, identities and writing (pp. 14-175). London, New
York: Harvester Wheatsheaf. Retrieved November 22, 2019
English, J., & Jeune, K. L. (2012). Do Professional Women and Tradeswomen in the South African Construction Industry Share Common Employment Barriers despite Progressive Government Legislation.
Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering Education & Practice, 145-152. Retrieved November 24, 2019
Equality and Human Rights Commission. (2019, June 19). What is the Equality Act? Retrieved November 24, 2019, from Equality and Human Rights Commission Web site:
https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/equality-act-2010/what-equality-act
Super, D. E. (1957). The psychology of careers;: An introduction to vocational development (1st ed.). New York: Harper . Retrieved November 24, 2019
Goffman, E. (1990). The presentation of self in everyday life. New York: Anchor Books. Retrieved November 20, 2019
Holland, J. L. (1997). Making Vocational Choices: A Theory of Vocational Personalities and Work Environments (3rd ed.). Odessa: Psychological Assessment Resources. Retrieved November 24, 2019
Ing, W. (2019, March 8). Gender pay gap is still 20% across construction, says RICS. Retrieved November 25, 2019, from Building: https://www.building.co.uk/news/gender-pay-gap-is-still-20-across-
construction-says-rics/5098279.article
Krumboltz, J. D. (1979). Social learning and career decision making. In J. D. Krumboltz, A. M. Mitchell, & G. B. Jones, A social learning theory of career decision making (pp. 19-49). Cranston: Carroll Press.
Retrieved November 24, 2019
Peacock, L. (2013, July 19). How would you define femininity? The Telegraph. United Kingdom. Retrieved November 20, 2019, from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/womens-life/10190331/How-
would-you-define-femininity.html
Randstad. (2019, January 19). female leadership – where are construction industry role models? Retrieved November 25, 2019, from Randstad: https://www.randstad.co.uk/career-advice/job-
profiles/female-leadership-where-are-construction-industry-role-models/
Sheridan, G. (1992). Women in the Booktrade in Eighteenth-Century France (Vol. 15).
UK Essays. (2018, November). Local Labour In The Construction Industry. Retrieved May 21, 2020, from UK Essays: https://www.ukessays.com/essays/economics/local-labour-in-the-construction-industry-
economics-essay.php#citethis
West London College. (2019). Construction apprenticeships still fail to attract women despite skills shortage in the UK. Retrieved November 23, 2019, from West London College Web site:
https://www.wlc.ac.uk/newsstories/international-women’s-day-2019
References