A cross-national study of gender diversity initiatives in architecture: The cases of the UK, France and Spain

Abstract

Purpose

Despite initiatives designed to encourage more women, the construction industry and its associated professions remain resolutely male dominated and the situation shows little signs of changing. Reporting on the findings of an exploratory study which examines the transfer of Equality Policy into practice in three European countries: the UK, France and Spain, the purpose of this paper is to provide cross-national comparisons of the implementation of gender initiatives in a single profession, that of architecture.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 66 semi-structured interviews were carried out in the qualitative paradigm with women architects in the UK, France and Spain.

Findings

Findings are twofold: first, the research indicates that there are many weaknesses in the support offered and in the design of the initiatives which serve to discourage women rather than encourage them and second, there is a clear need for the dominant body within the industry – the men – to provide the impetus for change.

Originality/value

The research is unique in that it offers a cross-national comparison of the situation within a single profession in a male-dominated industry which has attracted much attention for its lack of diversity and its reluctance to embrace change.

Citation

Caven, V., Navarro-Astor, E. and Diop, M. (2016), "A cross-national study of gender diversity initiatives in architecture: The cases of the UK, France and Spain", Cross Cultural & Strategic Management, Vol. 23 No. 3, pp. 431-449. https://doi.org/10.1108/CCSM-11-2014-0141