O exercício da função gerencial por mulheres em uma universidade pública no oeste do estado de Santa Catarina, sob a ótica da identidade e gênero

Abstract

In general, identity construction is constantly changing and it is influenced by the historical contexts and social roles of individuals. Not surprisingly, women, who in the earliest times did not work in the public sphere, incorporated new characteristics in their identities when they started holding positions and spaces traditionally masculine. In this way, there were changes in pre-stipulated social relations in the Institutions and also in the family context. In this sense, this study aimed to understand how women in leading positions in a public university exert their roles, from a focus on the construction of identity and gender. As for the methodological procedures, the research is characterized by the study of qualitative life histories and involves a descriptive approach. Furthermore, the work was supported by the participant observation method. Data collection was done through interviews with four women who hold managerial positions at a public university in the western part of the state of Santa Catarina.The analysis of the data was guided by the content analysis of the speeches. Considering the results found, it was evidenced that difficulties and challenges allied to opportunities are elements that permeate the reality of the interviewees and revealed much about the identity construction and the history of professional life of these women. In assuming leadership positions, women in public management found themselves faced with the need to articulate themselves in front of the various roles. Regarding the potentialities, the influence they had on their peers was considered, as well as the way they manage their assignments in a sensitive and holistic way, which can contribute to the development of new and important directions for some companies. The challenges mentioned refer to the overcommitment experienced by these women, resulting from the reconciliation among the different roles as managers, teachers and even mothers, thus highlighting the need for a support network. In addition, the challenges were related to the barriers experienced by women in leading positions, such as the prejudice found in their workplace and the constant need of proving how capable they are to accomplish their roles. Thus, even with changes in social roles between genders, the old speeches are still present in society and affect directly the attributions and identity of individuals.