CEU Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2024
| Author | Ruiz, Maria |
|---|---|
| Title | Glass Domes and Lucky Breaks: A Study of Gendered Dynamics in Portuguese Diplomacy |
| Summary | The 1974 Revolution that ended over 40 years of authorianism in Portugal brought about the deletion of the male gender as a prerequisite to access the diplomatic career (MUD@R 2023). Despite these milestones, 50 years later women still represent only 32% of Portugal’s diplomatic corps, their access has diminished in the last 10 years, and they still have a slower career progression compared to men (Podgorny and Alves 2023, 6, 17–18). This research investigates the challenges faced by female diplomats and their perceptions of institutional change and impact. Through eight in-depth interviews with Portuguese women diplomats and an analysis of literature on diplomacy and gender, feminist institutionalism, and gendered organizations, this study seeks to highlight women's experiences and deconstruct "the silence of gender relations" in institutions (Kronsell 2006, 108). This study identifies three main challenges: balancing private and professional life in an international career, leading to a ‘glass dome’ effect; gendered norms and hierarchies resulting in remedial work (Gherardi and Poggio 2001); and the invisibility of gendered behaviors and equality policies within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It concludes with insights from interviewees on priorities for gender equality and their roles in fostering institutional change, including perspectives on the newly established Portuguese Women’s Diplomatic Network, MUD@R. This exploratory work aims to map potential issues and avenues for further analysis and policy research, contributing to the broader literature on gender and diplomacy. |
| Supervisor | Krizsán, Andrea |
| Department | Public Policy MA |
| Full text | https://www.etd.ceu.edu/2024/ruiz_maria.pdf |
Visit the CEU Library.
© 2007-2021, Central European University