Women in male dominated institution: A look into the experiences of female BS Marine Transportation students of John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University-Arevalo

Abstract

This study sought to determine the gendered experiences of female students in John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation Maritime University - Arevalo and its implications on the integration of women in male dominated courses and professions. This study utilized Joan Acker's theory of gendered organizations as point of reference on how organizations reproduce and maintain sexualized attitudes and assumptions. This study explores female students’ (1) learning experiences, (2) the attitudes of teachers towards them, (3) their relationship with male classmates, (4) access to scholarships, gender sensitive facilities and programs, (5) their perceptions on their experiences and its (5) implications to seafaring works. The data collection made use of unstructured interview schedules and focus group discussions with female students to reveal their experiences, attitudes and assumptions on studying in a male-dominated institution geared towards a male-dominated career. In-depth interviews were also conducted with professional and general education teachers, administrators and the staff of JBLFMU. The findings of the study convey that female students in the university experience benevolent sexism, which refers to considerations, special treatments towards female students in the said university. This treatment encompasses designation of safer and easier tasks to female students. This entails that subtle sexism exists in the university. In addition, despite initial efforts to promote gender equality in the university system, the JBLFMU still lacks mechanisms that cater to the needs of tlie female students.