The Equal-Gelso Project consists of action-research undertaken to analyse and combat occupational segregation in some of the main employment sectors in the province of Trento (public administration, health service, cooperation, and advanced services).
Analysis concentrates on the difficulties in career advancement experienced by women (due the so-called ‘glass ceiling’) and their structural and cultural features. This will be followed by an experimental phase intended to bring about systemic change. The action-research will concentrate on three interconnected aspects: (a) patterns of career structuring and assessment; (b) the use of flexible employment contracts ( which mainly involve women and give rise to significant problems in career development and the work/life balance); (c) forms of work/life balance and their intrinsic ambiguities.
The project is being carried out in partnership with Fidia, For.ES., Scuola di Preparazione Sociale e Gender, with which the Department has formed an ATS (Associazione Temporanea di Scopo). The creation of international partnerships is also envisaged.
Researchers: Barbara Poggio (coordinator and referent), Michela Cozza, Silvia Gherardi, Annalisa Murgia, Alberto Zanutto.
Period: 2005-2007
Funding: European Social Fund - IC Equal