Análise da questão de gênero na vivência de mulheres nas engenharias do centro de tecnologia da UFC

Abstract

The culture of designating social roles to each gender makes it difficult for females to reach new horizons, especially in the male-predominant fields, such as the exact sciences. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to analyze the impact of gender issues in the daily experience of female students and professors of the Engineering program at the Technology Center (TC) at the Federal University of Ceará (UFC). In order to accomplish this objective, surveys were conducted regarding female representation in student entities and leadership roles at the TC. Furthermore, data related to the socio-economical profile of students and professors and their thoughts regarding gender issues in engineering were collected through an online form. Moreover, additional semi-structured interviews alongside the electronic form were performed in order to collect more information regarding the female experience in this space. The data were analyzed in a quantitative-qualitative manner and it was possible to determine, through the data, that the gender issue is indeed present in this particular environment and it reflects negatively on the performance, permanence, personality, and personal characteristics of the females present in this environment. It was also possible to observe through the electronic form that, although men have a positive mindset regarding the presence of females in the engineering field, they do not comprehend the scope of the influence that their attitudes have on the experience of students and professors of the opposite sex. Finally, actions were suggested that are aimed towards assuaging the challenges faced by females in the field of engineering.