group 4 Muelleder Sannas

Outline of research proposal Research question: How effective are measures to open up gendered professions for the opposite gender? There are many professions that are considered as male or female. In recent years, there have been several attempts to attract the other gender to these jobs. For example, making technical studies (and therefore technical professions) more attractive to women. We would like to take a look of what has happened in recent time in Austria and Greece and also if it is possible to measure the effects – e.g. did the percentage of female students rise in technical studies. Theory: Ungendering professions could have several effects on society. It softens gender division of labour, helps to harmonise wage differences and influences prejudices. Therefore it is important to inspire and encourage those who do not choose gendered professions path. However, some methods might be more effective than others, cause side effects or the reverse. Structure and Method: Firstly, we will do some research on gendered professions (what is conceived as a male/female profession, are there professions that „changed gender“, why did this happen, what were the outcomes). Furthermore, we will find examples on where universities, institutions, politics or labour offices try to open up professions for the other gender. Comparing vocational training or study statistics will follow. Finally, we end with a look at labour statistics. We also hope to find comparisson on opinion researches on what is seen as male/female professions and if those have changed since the implementation of these measures. If possible, we would also like to present best practice examples. Then we can try to find out, why these examples were effective and if they can also be performed in other countries or on other professions. We are still searching for a third member in our group. We asked somebody from Lithuania but could not get to a conclusion. However, we will not give up to try to complete our group. Group 4: Manuela Mülleder, Dimitrius Sannas Outline of research proposal