Gender inequality and challenges of women in the construction industry: an evidenced-based analysis from China

Wang, X; Du, M; Li, HX; Hasan, A; Ahmadian Fard Fini, A

Gender inequality and challenges of women in the construction industry: an evidenced-based analysis from China

Wang, X Du, M Li, HX Hasan, A Ahmadian Fard Fini, A

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Publisher:: Emerald
Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: Engineering Construction and Architectural Management, 2025, 32, (13), pp. 213-233
Issue Date:: 2025-01-01

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Wang, X
dc.contributor.author	Du, M
dc.contributor.author	Li, HX
dc.contributor.author	Hasan, A
dc.contributor.author	Ahmadian Fard Fini, A https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7681-1270
dc.date.accessioned	2026-07-16T04:44:17Z
dc.date.available	2026-07-16T04:44:17Z
dc.date.issued	2025-01-01
dc.identifier.citation	Engineering Construction and Architectural Management, 2025, 32, (13), pp. 213-233
dc.identifier.issn	0969-9988
dc.identifier.issn	1365-232X
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/195689
dc.description.abstract	Purpose: This research aims to provide an evidence-based depiction of women’s participation and career progression in China’s construction industry, based on the analysis of the labour force data collected from the National Bureau of Statistics of China for the period 2010–2022 and a representative construction enterprise case study. Design/methodology/approach: An overarching research method of case study with literature review, descriptive statistics, and literature comparison was implemented to achieve the research aim. Based on data-driven analysis, the theory of systemic, structural gender discrimination and inequality (SSGDI) is also systematically examined in the Chinese construction industry. Findings: The study highlights significant gender inequality in China’s construction industry, with women under-represented in managerial and professional roles, facing higher recruitment standards, limited working hours, fewer promotion opportunities and difficulty attaining senior management positions despite higher educational attainment. The SSGDI in the construction industry has perpetuated gender bias, limiting the recruitment, promotion and recognition of women. Originality/value: Based on critical evidence, this study examines SSGDI in the Chinese construction industry through theoretical lenses and data-driven analysis. It provides underlying evidence for the phenomenon and offers insights into women’s recruitment and career development in the male-dominated construction industry. The findings can inform gender equality policies and practices and promote gender equality in the construction industry in China and elsewhere.
dc.language	en
dc.publisher	Emerald
dc.relation.ispartof	Engineering Construction and Architectural Management
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.1108/ECAM-03-2024-0389
dc.rights	info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
dc.subject	0905 Civil Engineering, 1202 Building, 1503 Business and Management
dc.subject.classification	Building & Construction
dc.subject.classification	3301 Architecture
dc.subject.classification	3302 Building
dc.subject.classification	4005 Civil engineering
dc.title	Gender inequality and challenges of women in the construction industry: an evidenced-based analysis from China
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.citation.volume	32
utslib.for	0905 Civil Engineering
utslib.for	1202 Building
utslib.for	1503 Business and Management
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney/UTS Groups
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney/UTS Groups/Visualisation Institute (VI)
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Design and Society
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Design and Society/School of Architecture and Built Environment
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Design and Society/School of Architecture and Built Environment/Construction Project Management Discipline
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Design and Society/School of Architecture and Built Environment/Project Management Discipline
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney/UTS Groups/Climate Deep Sector Engagement Area
utslib.copyright.status	open_access	*
dc.rights.license	This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0). To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
dc.date.updated	2026-07-16T04:44:15Z
pubs.issue	13
pubs.publication-status	Published
pubs.volume	32
utslib.citation.issue	13

Abstract:

Purpose: This research aims to provide an evidence-based depiction of women’s participation and career progression in China’s construction industry, based on the analysis of the labour force data collected from the National Bureau of Statistics of China for the period 2010–2022 and a representative construction enterprise case study. Design/methodology/approach: An overarching research method of case study with literature review, descriptive statistics, and literature comparison was implemented to achieve the research aim. Based on data-driven analysis, the theory of systemic, structural gender discrimination and inequality (SSGDI) is also systematically examined in the Chinese construction industry. Findings: The study highlights significant gender inequality in China’s construction industry, with women under-represented in managerial and professional roles, facing higher recruitment standards, limited working hours, fewer promotion opportunities and difficulty attaining senior management positions despite higher educational attainment. The SSGDI in the construction industry has perpetuated gender bias, limiting the recruitment, promotion and recognition of women. Originality/value: Based on critical evidence, this study examines SSGDI in the Chinese construction industry through theoretical lenses and data-driven analysis. It provides underlying evidence for the phenomenon and offers insights into women’s recruitment and career development in the male-dominated construction industry. The findings can inform gender equality policies and practices and promote gender equality in the construction industry in China and elsewhere.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10453/195689