Blue Collar Workers in the Steel Mill, 1979

The purpose of this 1979 study was to investigate the experiences of women working in traditionally male blue collar jobs. Through interviews with female and male workers and supervisors, as well as examination of company employment records, the researchers attempted to assess the following: (1) whether the affirmative action consent decrees had a noticeable effect on the hiring patterns for women in the steel industry; (2) whether there are any specific costs associated with the increased effort to hire women in the industry; (3) how male workers felt about the influx of women into their traditionally male domain; and (4) what problems women encounter as they begin to work in the industry. Two plants within the steel industry were selected as the sampling sites. The participants were 231 workers and 104 supervisors. The sample consisted primarily of White, African American, and Hispanic employees; other ethnic backgrounds are also represented. Their ages ranged from 19 to 65. The investigators examined internal barriers, both psychological and physical, and external barriers, including discrimination, demands of the job, and sexual harassment. The Murray Research Archive holds original interview forms.