Construction ranks as one of the most gender segregated sectors worldwide, whilst gender diversity is now considered a success factor in economic growth and social welfare. The aim of this article is to evaluate the progress made by women in Cuba in making inroads into this male-dominated work sector, building on theoretical perspectives in relation to working in construction and women's gender roles which have been developed in both Cuba and the UK. Drawing on interviews with Cuban women in construction, it seeks to find answers to the questions of why women should choose to go to work in this environment despite the barriers, whether there are good reasons for society needing them to do this kind of work and what conditions need to be put in place in order to make this possible. These questions are evaluated in relation to the triple burden of paid work, combating exclusion, and unpaid work in the home; and conclusions are drawn for future study.
Alvarez, M.D. (2008) 'Gender, Science and Technology', International Journal of Cuba Studies 1(1).
Bengelsdorf, C. (1985) 'On the problem of studying women in Cuba: For Lourdes', Race & Class (1985) 27: 35.
Biglia, B. (2006) 'Some Latin Activists' Accounts: Reflections on Political Research', Feminism & Psychology 16: 18.
Bofill, A., R. Marti and I. Soriano (1998) Women and the City. Fundación María Aurelia Campany.
Booth, C. and C. Bennet (2002) Gender Mainstreaming in the European Union: Towards a New Conception and Practice of Equal Opportunities? London: Sage.
Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) (2006) Inclusivity: The Changing Role of Women in the Construction Workforce, with research by Sonia Gurjao. Reading: University of Reading/CIOB.
Clarke, L. et al. (eds) (2004) Women in Construction. London: CLR Studies. Reed Business Information, London.
Clarke, L., E.F. Pedersen, E. Michielsens and B. Susman (2005) 'The European Construction Social Partners: Gender Equality in Theory and Practice', European Journal of Industrial relations, 11(2): 151-77.
CSAP (2006) Construction Statistics Annual Report. UK Gov. Department for BIS.
De Graft-Johnson, A., S. Manley and C. Greed (May 2003) 'Why Do Women Leave Architecture?' Research project funded by RIBA and University of West England.
Dovey, Kim (1999) Framing Places - Mediating Power in Built Form. London: Routledge.
Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) (2004) Plugging Britain's Skills Gap.
Espín, V. (1991) Cuban Women Confront the Future. Melbourne: Ocean Press.
Fernández, I. (2000) 'No es fácil!' Mujeres cubanas y la crisis revolucionara. United States: Icaria.
Greed, C. (2000) 'Women in the Construction Professions; Achieving Critical Mass', Construction Management Review 7(3).
HESA First Destinations Returns 1995/96.
Jones, Anne (1994) 'Hammering it Home', Report for Women into Construction Project, ESF.
Muxi, Z. (2005) 'Mujeres y Architectura: Teoría y Practica de la Vivienda', in Arquitectura COAM No. 340. Pub. Revista de Arquitectura y urbanismo del Colegio Oficial de Arquitectos de Madrid.
Ramirez, R.M. (2004) Official Statistics of the National Direction of the Federation of Cuban Women. Cuba FMC 2004.
Pearson, R. (1995) 'Economic Re-structuring and Gender Subordination', Latin American Perspectives 22: 32.
Pearson, R. (1997) 'Renegotiating the Reproductive Bargain: Gender Analysis of Economic Transition in Cuba in the 1990s', Development and Change 28: 671-705.
Safa, H.I. (1995) 'Economic Re-structuring and Gender Subordination', Latin American Perspectives 22: 32.
Sang, K.J.C., A.R.J. Dainty and S.G. Ison (2007) 'Gender: A Risk Factor for Occupational Stress in the Architectural Profession?' Construction Management and Economics 25 (December): 1305-17.
Suarez, M.A. (2008) La revolución de las cubanas: 50 años de conquistas y luchas. Cuba: FMC.
Wilkinson, S.J. and P. Morton (2007) 'The Emerging Importance of Feminist Research Paradigms in Built Environment Research', Structural Survey 25(5): 408-17.
Yeandle, S. et al. (1998) Criteria for Success in Gender Mainstreaming. Sheffield: CRESR, Sheffield Hallam University.