Rotimi, F E; Brauner, M; Naismith, N; Burfoot, M and Mohaghegh, M (2025) Coping strategies and resilience of New Zealand tradeswomen in construction: Navigating challenges. Building Research & Information, 53(7), pp. 871-891. ISSN 0961-3218
Abstract
In a world where trade industries are often seen as male-oriented, the resilience and adaptability of women carving out their success in these sectors stand as a testament to their fortitude and ingenuity. This study aims to explore the various coping strategies employed by women in trade, focusing on how they navigate and succeed in environments that may present unique challenges to their success. In this qualitative research study, in-depth interviews were conducted with 21 women working in different construction trades in New Zealand (NZ). The aim was to understand not only the strategies they use but also the underlying perspectives that influence these approaches. Employing advanced analytical capabilities of NVivo and Atlas.ti, the current study categorizes these coping mechanisms, providing a comprehensive insight into the adaptive strategies that allow these women to confront and overcome the unique challenges they experience. This exploration sheds light on the resilience and adaptability of women in trade and contributes to the broader discourse on gender dynamics within construction industries. Valuable insights are provided for both academia and industry practitioners aiming to foster a more inclusive and equitable professional environment.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | coping strategies; tradeswomen; women |
| Index terms: | strategy, interview, adaptability, practitioner, qualitative research, exploration, New Zealand, construction industry, academia, women, coping, dynamics |
| Subjects: | user focus, practitioner, environmental resource management, Geography, behavioral psychology, data collection methods, research design and methodology, management, sociology, educational institutions, industry analysis, systems engineering |
| Topics: | Education, Engineering Principles, Geographical Context, Sustainability, Design Practice, Business Strategy, Research Practice, Roles and Professions |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTE |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here