GENDER PERCEPTIONS OF WOMEN AND MEN OF ENGINEERING CAREERS. SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES

Abstract

Numerous studies deal with gender equity, but few show comparisons between men and women over the course of the study. That’s the reason why it is such a complex topic because it is impossible to cover it in a single research work. The objective of this article was to analyze the differences and similarities of gender perceptions in men and women studying engineering at a public university in northeastern Mexico. The sample was stratified probabilistic considering 377 students. It is descriptive, cross-sectional, it explores the perceptions of both genders, through a questionnaire with two dimensions that, according to the review of the literature, constitute the areas where prejudices, stereotypes and gender-related problems persist. Coincidences of both genders were found regarding the level of satisfaction towards the chosen career. In other areas, a notable difference is observed, especially in terms of the treatment that men and women receive as students and the employment situation once they graduate. In this case, the men recognize the frequent cases of harassment, but do not perceive the existing reality related to the differences in job positions and salaries, while women do perceive it.