Working Chilean women: identities in question

Abstract

Work and family have an influence on identity. This qualitative research analyzes the meaning that work acquires in the identity of Chilean women workers. It uses semi-structured interviews and biograms in a sample of 50 professional and non-professional women, between 24 and 88 years old from Santiago, Chile. The paper reveals the foundations of work identity and the tensions generated by traditional gender roles in the identity(ies) of working women. The results show that identity is dynamic and relational, with multiple identities coexisting (worker, mother, feminine, professional). These identities cohabit and unfold depending on the context, life stages, work experiences, and meanings. This study contributes to the understanding of identity processes and aims to inform labor policies with a gender perspective.