Women's experiences in masculinized work environments. Case study of a company in the meat industry

Abstract

This study analyzes the work experiences of women working in male dominated teams at a meat processing plant in southern Chile. A qualitative, phenomenological approach was adopted using a case study strategy, with semi-structured interviews with eight female workers in the operational area conducted in 2023. The reflective thematic analysis showed that the organization's patriarchal structure sustains occupational gender segregation, both horizontally through the differentiation and hierarchization of tasks and vertically, by restricting access to leadership positions. Participants described defensive strategies in the face of sexist and paternalistic comments, along with ambivalence about assuming positions of greater responsibility due to perceived overload and doubts about legitimacy. Relationships between peers marked by mistrust also emerged. The conclusion is that there is a need to transform organizational practices to reduce segregation and promote more equitable career paths for women.