Investigating Institutional and Societal Logics Around Female Career Progression in the United Kingdom and Germany, 2019-2021

Using a qualitative case study approach, this project explores two institutional settings: the UK and Germany – with qualitative data collected from sites within a devolved British nation (DBN) and a German Federal State (GFS). Both countries show similarities concerning gender norms and work, e.g., traditionally fostering a predominantly male breadwinner model. The analysis incorporates data from 41 semi-structured interviews in five public sector case study organisations in the UK (three organisations, 17 interviews) and Germany (two organisations, 24 interviews) with Human Resources Managers, Line Managers, woman workers and Employee Representatives. Thematic analysis findings point towards similarities and differences across countries.