SET women and careers: A case study of senior female scientists in the UK

Durbin, Susan

Abstract

Very few studies of senior female scientists have been conducted in the UK. This chapter explores the careers of 13 senior female scientists in a male-dominated, UK public sector organisation. These women operate within a context which reinforces, 'think management, think male' (Schein 2007). Despite this, they have followed traditional career paths of science qualifications and employment. Whilst many parallels can be drawn with other women in science, engineering and technology (SET) these women buck the trend in that they have achieved senior positions and unusually long lengths of service, post-childbirth, despite little or no help from mentors and support networks. Although these women's experiences of gender relations were variable and they have limited strategic leadership career options, they have sustained a positive work orientation and a strong desire to reputation-build. Notwithstanding their failure so far to break through the glass ceiling, they hold the potential to be role models for others in SET.

• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2010
• Deposit Date: Sep 22, 2020
• Pages: 232-254
• Book Title: Women in Engineering, Science and Technology: Education and Career Challenges
• ISBN: 9781615206575
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-61520-657-5.ch011
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/6702137