Résumé:
The present study explores the discursive construction of Algerian female engineers’
professional identities at engineering workplace in Algerian Sonatrach Company. More
precisely, the present study shedslight on (in) visibility issues of female’s contribution,
strategies to cope within male-dominated engineering, the challenges of the marginal borders,
and underrepresentation imposed by Algerian professional and cultural assumptions on
female engineers.In attempting to explore the experiences of Algerian female engineers in
light of the present constraints in the domain of engineering, two main data collection
instruments were selected. First, the questionnaire was administered to 50 male and 50 female
engineers. It aims at exploring participants’ perceptions and experiences at engineering
workplace. Second, the interview was conducted with 15 female engineers. It aims to explore
the discursive construction of females’ engineers’ professional identities in light of the
available engineering discourses of masculinity. The study reveals that engineering workplace
is discursively gendered.The results indicate that Algerian female engineers’ discourses
remain representative of a significant manner of resistance to available masculinities.
Moreover, the data reveal a picture of extensive masculine culture that affects their coping
strategies, and highlights women’s consciousness-raising in the professional domain while
struggling to gain their professional status. Female engineers suggest that establishing gender
equality through eliminating gender differences at engineering workplace will enable females
to regain recognition as professional engineers.
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