Working in the Same Sector, in the Same Organization and in the Same Occupation: Similarities and Differences Between Women and Men Physicians? Work Climate and Health Complaints

Authors

  • Helena Falkenberg Department of Psychology, Stockholm University
  • Katharina N?swall Department of Psychology, University of Canterbury
  • Petra Lindfors Department of Psychology, Stockholm University
  • Magnus Sverke Department of Psychology, Stockholm University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.19154/njwls.v5i4.4844

Abstract

Due to the segregated labor market, gender differences in health are often confounded by factors such as sector or occupation. This study explored similarities and differences in work climate and health complaints among women and men working in the same sector, in the same organization, and in the same occupation. First, work climate and health complaints were compared between women and men. Second, relations between the work climate and health complaints were investigated in both genders. Questionnaire data were collected from 95 women and 105 men physicians who worked in the same acute care hospital in Sweden. The results showed no gender differences in the job, role, leadership, or organizational characteristics. However, women physicians reported less workgroup cohesiveness and cooperation and more mental and physical health complaints than men physicians. Workgroup cohesiveness and cooperation were related to less health complaints only for men physicians. This explorative study indicates similarities between women and men when the work situation is similar, but suggests that some of the differences that appear in the large structures of the gender-segregated labor market also seem to be present for women and men who work in the same sector, in the same organization, and in the same occupation.

Author Biographies

Helena Falkenberg, Department of Psychology, Stockholm University

PhD

Katharina N?swall, Department of Psychology, University of Canterbury

Associate Professor

Petra Lindfors, Department of Psychology, Stockholm University

Professor

Magnus Sverke, Department of Psychology, Stockholm University

Professor

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Published

2015-12-31

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Section

Articles