Biased Perceptions and Personality Traits Attribution: Cognitive Aspects in Future Interventions for Organizations

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Sociology
• Gender Studies

Background:

• Significant gender disparities exist in Technology and Engineering careers across Europe.
• Negative stereotypes may deter women from pursuing careers in male-dominated sectors like Construction.
• The Construction Industry exhibits a pronounced under-representation of women.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of stereotyped perceptions on gender representation in the Construction Industry.
• To explore how biased perceptions affect male and female roles within construction organizations.

Main Methods:

• Ethnographic interviews and observations were conducted in three UK construction organizations.
• The study included 45 participants, with only three women working directly on construction sites.
• Analysis focused on observed activity differentiation and attributed personality traits.

Main Results:

• A significant differentiation in activities between male and female construction workers was observed.
• Biased perceptions and personality attributions played a key role in this activity differentiation.
• Women constituted only 6.7% of the participants in construction site roles.

Conclusions:

• Stereotyped perceptions contribute to gender inequality in male-dominated fields like construction.
• Addressing these biases requires mindset changes from school age, flexible work strategies, and internal advocates.
• Promoting gender equality through social communication and public campaigns, informed by cognitive psychology, is crucial.