The “gender gap” in the scientific labour market: The case of science, engineering and technology‐based SMEs in the UK

Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to address a key issue, yet a neglected area of local policy and research i.e. the “gender gap” in the labour market in the scientific‐based SMEs in the UK. The paper seeks to compare and contrast the employment and management structure, as well as participation in research and development (R&D) between female and male. It further aims to explore the educational background and the personal and professional barriers that prevent women from progression in scientific management and R&D related occupations.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical investigation is based on a sample of 45 female employees working in science, engineering and technology (SET)‐related positions and 48 SET‐related companies. Data were collected through the empirical survey of SMEs and semi structured “face‐to‐face” interviews with female employees.

Findings

The study concluded that there was no evidence of specific SET‐related barriers preventing career progression amongst women. The major barriers to progression were related to work‐life balance issues such as dependent children as well as non‐gender‐related issues such as insufficient resources for training, lack of opportunities for career advancement and lack of encouragement from management, which are more likely to be SME‐related issues.

Practical implications

The paper suggests that current programmes and initiatives to encourage people to enter SET occupations may eventually increase participation in that workforce but will not necessarily increase numbers of women in managerial and highly technical positions because of the continuing conflict over work‐life balance decisions such as having a family, or because of management and SME‐related issues such as insufficient resources.

Originality/value

The findings are based on original and unique databases, assembled over the past two years, funded by the ESRC Science in Society Programme and the Higher Education European Social Fund National. The “gender gap” in the labour market in scientific‐based SMEs in the UK, combing data of companies and employees, has not, empirically, been investigated before.

Citation

Wynarczyk, P. and Renner, C. (2006), "The “gender gap” in the scientific labour market: The case of science, engineering and technology‐based SMEs in the UK", Equal Opportunities International, Vol. 25 No. 8, pp. 660-673. https://doi.org/10.1108/02610150610719128