Desequilíbrio de Gênero em Cursos de Graduação em Engenharia da UFC

Abstract

In this paper, we search the reasons of gender inequality in undergraduate engineering programs at the Federal University of Ceará (UFC). The investigation is based on a case study of qualitative and exploratory nature, where the problem has been approached from five different point of views: lack of incentive at middle and high school, the male culture existing among engineers in certain areas, the barriers found when trying to get and keep a job, prejudgment and harassment in workplaces and salary discrepancies due to gender issues. We have confirmed a low participation of women in engineering formation programs as well as a low number of women in engineering positions, in all considered professional areas. The observed data point out an association between gender discrimination and low female representation in engineering. There is evidence that women in engineering jobs may change their lifestyles as a result of a generalized masculinity at the work environment.