The «glass ceiling» in Spanish filmmakers: discourses and social representations in a case of occupational segregation

Abstract

This article focuses on the mechanisms of creation and reproduction of the "glass ceiling". It is based on some of the results of a research project on gender equality in Spanish cinema. After studying the effective inequality between men and women in the occupational categories of Spanish cinema, we analyze the type of social mediations involved in gender equity among those who are in the higher occupational categories. From qualitative interviews, we show the social discourses and representations which act as barriers to gender equality. Discrimination is based on this. The results show the distance between two conceptions: on the one hand, the professional requirements in the direction of films; on the other hand, those awarded to professional skills of women filmmakers. Distance is based on an essentialist conception.