Evolving Job Roles of Women in the Construction Industry

As the construction industry faces labor shortages, it is important to tap into the talents and potential of women. This study conducted a systematic literature review (SLR) to explore the job roles of women in the construction industry and how these job roles have evolved. From the 45 publications analyzed, 6 job roles were identified and subsumed under 3 broad roles: roles on-site, fluid roles, and roles off-site. Roles on-site and off-site have been known traditionally in the industry; fluid job roles, defined as the integration of on-site and off-site tasks, offer greater flexibility and the integration of advanced technology. In addition to identifying the job roles, a framework categorizing the factors influencing the emergence of new job roles into individual, organizational, and industrial perspectives is presented. By categorizing job roles and tracing their evolution, this study offers a comprehensive understanding of how women’s roles have shifted and diversified over time. This understanding is vital for industry practitioners, policymakers, and educators seeking to create more-inclusive environments and support structures that accommodate these evolving roles.