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Turner, M, Zhang, R P, Holdsworth, S and Andamon, M M (2021) Taking a Broader Approach to Women's Retention in Construction: Incorporating the University Domain . In: Scott, L and Neilson, C J (Eds.), Proceedings 37th Annual ARCOM Conference, 6-7 September 2021, UK, Association of Researchers in Construction Management, 188-197.
- Type: Conference Proceedings
- Keywords: construction, ecosystem, equality, gender, university, women.
- ISBN/ISSN:
- URL: http://www.arcom.ac.uk/-docs/proceedings/20ac3fe838143cf45ea084b73c038453.pdf
- Abstract:
Arguably, young professional women commence their transition into the construction industry upon commencement of their university studies. It is possible that women may be exposed to gendered barriers to success both directly and indirectly while at university, which may impact on their intentions of pursuing a career in construction. Construction can be considered as an ecosystem consisting of various interrelated components. This paper aims to extend the ‘leaky pipeline’ narrative by identifying key actors in the university domain who can influence the retention of young professional women in construction. Faculty can support women in construction through learning and teaching and research activities. A critical reflective approach is used to explore the characteristics of the university learning and teaching environment and the peer-review research process. It is recommended that the university be acknowledged as an integral component of the construction ecosystem. Future research should consider how the university influences and shapes decisions around the retention of women in construction. Without substantial and sustained change across the construction ecosystem, women will remain underrepresented in the construction industry and futile calls for increased participation will continue.