Seeking elsewhere: a systematic review of literature surrounding attrition and retention of female architects in the profession post-registration

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to provide a global snapshot of the current state of knowledge regarding attrition rates of women architects. The intended audience includes all the stakeholders of the profession, as well as those interested in professional attrition studies, with the aim to contribute to a social debate, which places increasing value on diversity, equal representation and retention in this field.Design/methodology/approachThis paper has utilized the structured analytical technique of a systematic review of the scholarship involving scholarship published over two decades between the years 2000 and 2020. Having selected research on this topic following a series of exclusionary and inclusionary criteria for relevancy and accuracy, this select research has been categorically and thoroughly analyzed using this technique.FindingsThis literature review identifies four main recurring themes among the literature, which address this research question, including: (1). cross-national differences and similarities; (2) demotivating factors leading to attrition; (3) graduate/architect terminology, which blurs the distinction between participants in architecture; and (4) implications of female architects as represented in professional publications and the “reward system.” Consequently, this literature review finds that to date no singular cause can be pinpointed as the sole cause of women's attrition, but rather a series of complex and intertwining factors, some of them specific to the profession.Originality/valueThis paper suggests areas for further study into the reduction of attrition rates of registered women in this discipline, with an emphasis that further research may expand to focus rather on positive aspects of the profession resulting in areas of retention, which has been of little focus in current research. Additionally, these findings make suggestions toward a series of recommendations that may assist in framing the industry toward more positive and equitable career and industry trajectories.

Women Architects in Practice: Opportunities and Challenges in Algeria

“…The surveyed women identified several discontents, including the heavy responsibilities that characterise architecture and construction. However, some reasons, such as bureaucratic hurdles, illegal sub-contractor practices, low wages, and unlawful site construction practices, are general and are found not to relate to gender, as mentioned by Möller, Dupré & Fernando (2022). Economic downturns in the construction sector were also a significant concern, making it difficult for women to find jobs in the field.…”

“…Alternatives to classical consultancy are also available in other allied fields, to architecture and construction. As a multidisciplinary field, architecture provides many hidden skills that ensure the well-being of women and an innovative solution (Tancred, Peta & Adams 2000;Caven 2006;Sang, Ison & Dainty 2009;Möller, Dupré & Fernando 2022).…”

“…Studies on women in architecture goes back up to 1897, when a decision was taken to permit women to attend art courses in the Beaux-Arts school, the cradle of architectural education (Conte 2018). Contemporarily, the literature points out many constraints facing women architects and pushing them to shift to easier careers and other sub-fields (Fowler & Wilson 2004;De Graft-Johnson et al 2005;Aydın & Erbil 2022;Möller et al 2022). According to Fowler and Wilson (2004), among the challenges that make architecture a very demanding profession that negatively affects personal life in the UK, are the long hours of work, the competitive environment, the slow career progression and the low wages.…”

“…The limited number of women architects that is reflected in the official statistics, often screens the practice of women architects in other forms or fields that relate to architecture (Tancred, Peta & Adams 2000;Caven 2006;Möller, Dupré & Fernando 2022). An important number of graduated women prefer not to be licensed and choose other allied fields, which are more accessible to women, such as interior design, historical preservation, kitchen design, teaching and volunteering (Ahrentzen & Groat 1992;Tancred, Peta & Adams 2000;Stratigakos 2001).…”