Ser mulher motorista de viaturas pesadas de mercadorias num mundo masculino

: relações entre trabalho e saúde, numa perspectiva de género

Abstract

Although it is not always taken into account when studying the impact of working conditions on workers' health, gender dimension causes implication son the perception of health risks, and it is the origin of different levels of expression of health problems among men and women (Aiach, 2001; Vogel,2003). The study here presented was conducted at Grupo TRACAR, among professional drivers of heavy goods vehicles, with the aim to realize if the consequences of working conditions on health are perceived differently by gender. At the same time, we intend to better understand the entry of women in typically male activities. Therefore, we chose a qualitative methodology using individual interviews, observation and the implementation of “INSAT: Inquérito, Saúde e Trabalho” – Inquiry, Health and Work. Data processing was guided by the principles of Content Analysis, identifying three first-order categories, namely: (A) activity characteristics, (B) career paths, (C) gender issues. The obtained results allowed pointing to the existence of gender differences in terms of perception and implication of specific health problems. On one hand, female driver’s speech emphasizes ease of adaptation and integration in the collective of workers and not clearly shows the existence of difficulties in linking work and family. Handling of cargo is identified as a constraint occupation. On the other hand, male driver’s discourse highlights work-family issues as a consequence of the activity, also revealing an awareness of the impact it has on health.

Date of Award	Mar 2012
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	António Manuel Fonseca (Supervisor) & Liliana Cunha (Co-Supervisor)