Exploring occupational gender stereotypes of female pilots within selected South African-based aviation companies

Abstract

Female pilots have since the start of their careers experienced challenges relating to their gender, especially females occupying masculine occupations such as being in aviation. It is important to understand the effect that these stereotypes and challenges have on female pilots and the effect thereof on their perceived work performance. Female pilots are also the minority group when it comes to the pilot occupation and they are underrepresented within the South African aviation industry. Several studies have indicated that this might be due to stereotypes that exist concerning the occupation being masculine and more suitable for men. This study therefore aimed to explore the existence of occupational gender stereotypes concerning female pilots within South African-based aviation companies. The experiences of female pilots and the effect stereotypes have on their perceived work performance was also explored where after recommendations were made for aviation organisations to help mitigate these effects. A qualitative research design was employed based on the social constructivism paradigm to reach the objectives of this study. A qualitative descriptive approach was followed using a combination of convenience and purposive sampling. Female pilot employees (N=15) from selected South African-based aviation companies were requested to complete an online qualitative survey on the QuestionPro platform. The results of this study indicated that female pilots within selected South African-based aviation companies do experience occupational gender stereotypes. Stereotypes mentioned by participants included that female pilots are less capable than male pilots, that they are not readily accepted as pilots, and they lack technical skills. These individuals also shared both positive and negative experiences of these stereotypes. Some of the negative experiences are for example that they are disrespected, they feel underestimated and that there is a higher expectation of them. There were also positive experiences in that female pilots believe that they are better pilots than males, they are more hard-working, and they are treated the same as male pilots. The study also focused on the effect occupational gender stereotypes have on the perceived work performance of female pilots. The results indicated that female pilots tend to work hard to prove themselves or they feel that the stereotypes make them better pilots. Some participants did however mention that their performance is not affected by these stereotypes. The participants were also asked to list strategies which they or other female pilots could apply to manage the experienced stereotypes. Suggestions such as always being prepared, becoming more resilient and building a good support network were listed. The participants also listed strategies aviation organisations could employ in order to manage stereotypes that exist in their companies. Suggestions from the participants included employing more female pilots, providing opportunities to report negative gender treatment and creating a supportive working environment. Recommendations were made for future research and practice.