Kvinnors karriärvägar inom IT : Möjligheter och hinder i en mansdominerad bransch

Sammanfattning

The IT sector continues to be characterized by gender inequality, where women remain underrepresented. This highlights a need for increased understanding of how women experience their opportunities for career development within the industry. The purpose of this study is to explore women’s experiences of career development in the IT sector, with a particular focus on how gendered structures and norms shape these experiences. This qualitative study is based on semi-structured interviews with women working in the IT industry. The empirical material has been analyzed using thematic analysis, guided primarily by the concept of doing gender, complemented by theories of tokenism and gendered organizational structures. These perspectives enable an understanding of how gender is constructed and reproduced in everyday work practices, as well as how minority positions may influence individuals’ experiences. The results indicate that women often experience increased visibility and a sense of responsibility to represent their gender, which can affect both their professional roles and career opportunities. Furthermore, gendered expectations and norms within the industry appear to shape perceptions of competence and career paths. At the same time, the findings highlight the importance of supportive networks and individual strategies in navigating these challenges. In conclusion, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of how gender is enacted within the IT sector and how this influences women’s career development, emphasizing the importance of organizational efforts to promote gender equality.