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An analysis of the factors influencing the choices of careers in construction by South African women
Author(s)
Madikizela, Kolosa
Date Issued
2008
Type
Thesis
Publisher
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Abstract
The construction industry in South Africa defines a large sector of the economy.
The total construction spend in 2002 exceeded R57.5 billion, of which 29.5% came from
public sector orders and tenders, 13.6% from public corporations, and 56.9% from the
private sector. The size and markets of a construction firm influence its level of
professionalism and working practices. Gendering and sexual division of labour are
important issues. Presently the construction industry employs a limited number of women
at all levels. Additionally there is a low level of participation and representation of
women on the committees of the learned societies associated with the industry. The low
number of female students majoring in construction management at South African higher
education institutions results in a limited number of qualified female construction
managers. The consequent gender imbalance suggests a lack of empowerment of women
in construction. Historically, job discrimination was institutionalized by law, including
job reservation clauses. These laws were abolished following recommendations by the
Weihahn Commission of Enquiry in 1979.In South Africa discrimination on the grounds of race and gender constitutes an
unfair labour practice. Further, the South African Constitution outlaws discrimination in
Section 8.2, but makes provision in Section 8.3 for measures designed to achieve
adequate protection and advancement of persons or groups or categories of persons
disadvantaged by unfair discrimination. This study explored the factors enhancing or
impending career mobility for women in the South African construction industry, with
the aim of investigating the factors influencing the choices of careers in construction by
South African women. Relevant literature was comprehensively reviewed. Previous
relevant research was studied. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods were
used to gather data from multiple samples. Key findings included that women had a role
to play in the construction industry and that they could build successful construction
careers. However, there were various barriers to entry such as, for example,
discrimination against women due to gender bias, the work environment on site and lack
of sufficient successful role models. These factors impacted negatively on the choices of
careers in construction by South African women.
The total construction spend in 2002 exceeded R57.5 billion, of which 29.5% came from
public sector orders and tenders, 13.6% from public corporations, and 56.9% from the
private sector. The size and markets of a construction firm influence its level of
professionalism and working practices. Gendering and sexual division of labour are
important issues. Presently the construction industry employs a limited number of women
at all levels. Additionally there is a low level of participation and representation of
women on the committees of the learned societies associated with the industry. The low
number of female students majoring in construction management at South African higher
education institutions results in a limited number of qualified female construction
managers. The consequent gender imbalance suggests a lack of empowerment of women
in construction. Historically, job discrimination was institutionalized by law, including
job reservation clauses. These laws were abolished following recommendations by the
Weihahn Commission of Enquiry in 1979.In South Africa discrimination on the grounds of race and gender constitutes an
unfair labour practice. Further, the South African Constitution outlaws discrimination in
Section 8.2, but makes provision in Section 8.3 for measures designed to achieve
adequate protection and advancement of persons or groups or categories of persons
disadvantaged by unfair discrimination. This study explored the factors enhancing or
impending career mobility for women in the South African construction industry, with
the aim of investigating the factors influencing the choices of careers in construction by
South African women. Relevant literature was comprehensively reviewed. Previous
relevant research was studied. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods were
used to gather data from multiple samples. Key findings included that women had a role
to play in the construction industry and that they could build successful construction
careers. However, there were various barriers to entry such as, for example,
discrimination against women due to gender bias, the work environment on site and lack
of sufficient successful role models. These factors impacted negatively on the choices of
careers in construction by South African women.
Additional information
Thesis (MTech (Construction Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2008
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