Graduation Year
2020
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree
Ph.D.
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Degree Granting Department
Adult, Career and Higher Education
Major Professor
Johanna Lasonen, Ph.D.
Committee Member
William Blank, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Victor Hernandez-Gantes, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Jennifer Woglemuth, Ph.D.
Keywords
gender, sustainability, water resources, workforce, feminism, ecology
Abstract
The purpose of this interpretative phenomenological analysis was to explore the lived experiences of women water and wastewater professionals in California. A qualitative methodology and semi-structured interviews provided detail and a rich understanding of women’s occupational choices, pursuits, and roles as told from their own perspectives. The results revealed that while working in water promoted a sense of pride, accomplishment, and empowerment, women continued to fight for equal access and full participation in lucrative water treatment careers. Key issues the women indicated were lack of knowledge of the industry, the necessity of mentorship, access to technical information, and the male-centered environment of water operations.
Scholar Commons Citation
Murawski, Pamela, "Women in Water: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of Women's Lived Experience as Water and Wastewater Professionals" (2020). USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/etd/8264
