Gendered Practices and Symbolic Capital - A qualitative study

Abstract

This study examines how gender equality is understood and put into practice within the Swedish banking sector, with a particular focus on middle managers at Swedbank and Sparbankerna. Based on theoretical perspectives on institutional logics, translation theory, and symbolic capital, the paper analyzes how gender equality takes shape in different organizational contexts and how formal representation relates to actual influence and decision-making. The empirical material consists of 26 semi-structured interviews, complemented by an analysis of organizational documents. The findings indicate that gender equality is largely perceived as achieved at a formal level, where equal opportunities are emphasized across both organizations. However, clear differences emerge in how gender equality is interpreted and enacted in practice. In Swedbank, it is primarily framed as a strategic and performance-related resource, whereas in Sparbankerna it is embedded in relational values and local practices. Despite these differences, the results reveal a gap between formal representation and actual influence, as female managers more often experience their competence being questioned and express a greater need to seek confirmation in decision-making processes. Overall, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of how gender equality is shaped by organizational context, highlighting that representation alone is insufficient to ensure equal influence and empowerment. The study also contributes to explaining how gender inequality remains reproducible.