The Lived Experiences of Women in Non-Traditional Occupation: A Phenomenology Analysis

Abstract

A qualitative phenomenological study on coping mechanisms of women in non-normative occupations was conducted in the two government agencies in Pangasinan. This study explored the lived experiences of women working in non-normative occupations. The researcher’s focus was to provide a deep and rich perspective on each of their unique lives with all the complexities that exist in human phenomena. There were fifteen participants in the study. All of the participants are government employees.

It was found that women in non-normative occupation in their real-life experiences faced challenges on structural issues including resources and policies, gender bias, and promotions. On the coping mechanisms of these women, two themes emerged, problem-focused coping strategies and emotion-focused strategies. The emotion-focused strategies which can be used to overcome challenges are pray and ask God’s guidance, show respect to colleagues, spend time with yourself, family and friends, and accept failures as part of life. While the problem-focused strategies are to seek professional advice and balance time with family and work.

Moreover, as the participants envisioned their future self- majority of them concur that staying employed in the non-normative occupations is their life- long commitment. While other participants envisioned their future self to work overseas. Based on the findings and conclusions unearthed from the study, the following are hereby recommended: A similar study be conducted having men in normative occupation as participants. Create mental wellness program to strengthen the passion and commitment of the women in order for them not to leave. And conduct seminars and training to strengthen the capacities of women to combat gender bias for the gender equality.