THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY'S MALE CULTURE MUST FEMINIZE IF CONFLICT IS TO BE REDUCED: THE ROLE OF EDUCATION AS GATEKEEPER TO A MALE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY.

This chapter draws on insights gained from current research on the relationship between the image of the British construction industry and the entry of women into occupations as professional construction managers. he role of education is identified as key in supporting the management of change necessary to bring about a fundamental shift in the construction industry's culture. It is argued that the educational departments are gatekeepers to the construction industry's culture and it is here that changes to the philosophy and curriculum could bring about the feminization of the construction culture. The chapter puts forward the radical position that the construction industry is conflictual because it has a male culture. Further, it argues that the vested interests of those in the industry and the educational departments associated with the industry may prevent change from occurring to this culture.