WHAT ROLES DO GENDER AND GENDER-EQUAL LEGISLATION PLAY IN SWEDEN? A CASE STUDY OF A LARGE MANUFACTURING COMPANY
Abstract
Purpose:
The study aims to find out how male and female office employees in a manufacturing company experience the role of gender in their work. In addition, the study aims to investigate how legislation supporting the gender-equal rights of employees is being implemented.
Theory:
The theory of patriarchy, with a special focus on the theory of gendered organisations, and the theory of normative social influence were used to analyse the results. These methods were useful because Sweden is still not gender equal but on the other hand, people living in the country have a tendency to say the country is gender equal. Therefore, there is a clear discrepancy between reality and the overall perception.
Method:
This thesis is a case study of one specific manufacturing company in Sweden, anonymised as Company X. The primary research is qualitative, and the method used is semi-structured interviews. Therefore, 13 participants were interviewed. They were both male and female office employees of Company X.
Result:
There is still subtle discrimination and horizontal labour segregation in the workplace that hinders women from reaching their full potential. However, Company X wants to be more gender equal and considers laws as the bare minimum, emphasising internal policies. The company and its employees are aware of the many steps they must take to achieve a more gender-equal work environment, which includes rethinking their current hiring and career development strategies.
Degree
Student essay
View/ Open
Date
2024-08-26Author
Pekárová, Nina
Keywords
Role of gender, Sweden, manufacturing sector, gender equality legislation
Language
eng