Gender diversity in construction: demystifying the pipeline leaks in Australia, United States, United Kingdom and Brazil

Abstract

Globally, the construction industry is a key contributor to the gross domestic product. However, compared to the gender diversity performance of the workforce in the world economy, historically, construction has been performing significantly poorly. Literature argued that these consistently poor performances in diversity, equity and inclusion were causing leaks in the education and career pipeline. However, a systematic investigation with evidence base was lacking. In this vacuum, the proposed study aims to explore the evolution of gender dynamics within the construction sector in Australia, United States, United Kingdom, and Brazil through quantitative evidence. This study collected industry gender representation data, gender pay gaps and tertiary degrees conferred from government agencies in four countries: Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom and Brazil. Quantitative data analysis was conducted with an exploration of factual figures, significant trajectories and fluctuations. Results were explored to understand local jurisdictions’ possible causal relationships and interventions. Delving into findings from the education pipeline revealed declining trends and alarming opportunities for the education institutions to take a lead role in moving from a “challenge leaky pipeline” towards a “shared solution space” through international cross-sectorial collaborations with the paradigm shift in the construction industry with the emerging fifth industrial revolution.