High-qualified women and the gendered division of domestic labour: an exploratory analysis from the field of photonics

Although generally the division of labour in the household has not become more egalitarian despite a women's increasing participation in the work force, it can be hypothesized and some research has shown that women with high commitment jobs develop new household patterns. Given the desperate need for more highly qualified people in science and technology in Europe this paper examines the situation of highly qualified women in a new scientific field: photonics. To what extent have they managed, in comparison to their male colleagues, to change housework division patterns? Women in photonics are highly educated, have a high commitment to work, working primarily in full-time statutes, have high incomes and are ambitious and internationally mobile. Does the classic dilemma of the combination of work and family still provide a significant stumbling block for these women in high technology careers? The paper utilizes two data sources, a survey of one Network of Excellence of photonics researchers (245 respondents), and a wider online survey of a professional association of photonic researchers (1674 respondents). Although there are few differences in ambition level and mobility in photonics researchers, the survey respondents indicate that the gendered division of labour is still a major factor in the hours available for research, even among highly educated and committed scientists.