Polarized gender thinking - visions or norms in male-dominated workplaces?

Abstract

Men's experiences and beliefs of working with women colleagues in a male dominated organization were investigated using qualitative analyses of 29 in-depth interviews. The analysis identified eight characteristics that were organized in one core category labeled polarized gender thinking and two categories. The first of these categories, illusory gender equality, comprised the subcategories: practicing invisible language, thinking differently, accepting extra work, and modifying masculine jargon. The second category, visualizing and practicing gender equality, consisted of perceptions of management's strategies to achieve gender equality and included the subcategories: practicing a vision of future, valuing equality, recruiting female competence, and balancing the work-family puzzle. A substantive theory was proposed to illustrate the effects of these categories on the type and outcome of gender equality. It is suggested that traditional adjustment to male norms may be a critical hindrance for equality of opportunities. Strategies and measures to visualize gender equality may support trouble-shooting and develop an open mind when problemizing gender inequality. Key words: Male norms, gender in male-dominated organization, illusory gender equality, masculine jargon, work-family puzzle, grounded theory