Paradoxes of (in)equality. The gender equality in the incorporation process of women in the chemical industry.

Abstract

This article it’s framed in the research field of the women incorporation in traditionally masculine work environments. Analyses the case of workers as plant operators and panelists in the chemical industry of Tarragona. It aims to specifically analyse the discourses around gender equality that occur in this work environment through a qualitative methodology. First, the debat around the desirability of a mixed work environment is collected, which enables make visible the preferences and resistances perceived by workers. Secondly, it analyses the discourses and debates around gender equality, introducing the paradox that gender equality contradicts the concept of positive discrimination, a tool precisely conceived to improve equality between men and women.