Author: Julaikha Bente Hossain
AIT Library Call Number: AIT Diss. no.GD-07-01
Year: 2007
Academic Program: Gender and Development Studies (GDS)
Type: Thesis (Ph.D.) – Asian Institute of Technology, 2007
Examination Committee: Kyoko Kusakabe (Chairperson); Stephen O. Ogunlana, Sununta Siengthai, Mari Osawa, Andrew R. J. Dainty (Examination Committee Members)
Abstract: This study began with the question of what are the factors that lead to different outcomes of women in construction engineering profession in Bangladesh and Thailand. The primary data for answering this question were drawn from questionnaire surveys with 204 professional engineers, in-depth interviews with 80 professional women engineers, and informal discussions with employers/representatives in construction organizations in Bangladesh and Thailand. By comparing Thailand and Bangladesh, the findings identified several similar and different barriers that not only deter women from entering in construction industry, but also stopped the stream of women engineering graduates to flow into the engineering job market. It is revealed that affirmative action (such as fellowships and quota systems for women in entering engineering employment) and educational encouragement from family members play an important role in Bangladeshi women’s entry in engineering education. In contrast, self-interest and role models are the two important determinants that influence Thai women’s career choice and entry in engineering education. Nonetheless, the increase of Bangladeshi women studying civil engineering do not necessarily lead to increase in women going for civil engineering job, especially in construction organizations. The study uncovered that it is not the stereotyped image that make women less involved in construction industry. The study has shed light on how organizational cultural practices as well as the influence of external factors (such as socio-cultural norms and gender societal expectations) within construction organizations affect women’s entry and stay in construction organizations in Bangladesh and Thailand. Despite significant career constraints experienced both countries, the study further reveals that the organizational culture type also play a major force in enhancing women engineers’ professional advancement. For example, although the cultural image of construction engineering profession
Scholarship Donor(s):
Note: A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Gender and Development Studies, School of Environment, Resources and Development
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