Probing into Perceptions of Females working in Male dominated Fields: The Case of Algerian Women in Tiaret Region.

Abstract

This dissertation is about a contentious issue in the Algerian society, it attempts to probe into perceptions of women working in male dominated fields. More precisely, the primary aim of the research at hand is to examine the social, economic and cultural factors that influence women's choices of male dominated professions along with the obstacles they face to do so. To reach this aim, a mixed method, that combines both quantitative and qualitative approaches, frames the study methodologically. On this basis, a structured questionnaire is administered to eighty (80) male and female participants from Tiaret region and a semi structured interview is directed to six (6) women who have stepped into the so called male dominated fields. This research bring to light additional knowledge for literature in this research area. The obtained results indicate that due to many factors , mainly economic ones, Algerian women still access male dominated fields. It is also found that despite the negative social and cultural stereotypes, women have at such an extent succeeded to conquer barriers of male dominated fields. This research ends with recommendations and implications for further research.