So What If A Girl Wants To Become An Auto-Mechanic?

Question

That's my title to a report I'm doing on Woman In The Modern Career Ladder for a Women's Studies Sociology college course? First of all, what do you think of it?

The report revolves around the concept of women being able to work in fields that are considered equal to men (or what men would do traditionally: i.e. firemen, etc.). The issue is that in some countries still, because of cultural / religious / social reasons, inhibits (or forbids) women to work at a particular career path. What can we do as a modernized society to help such women and "educate" (for a lack of a better word) them? Do you think this will make a difference at all?

I have collected enough background research from various women's studies databases and such... now I only require the "general public" opinions.

Also, to all women answering this question: please kindly state your

1.) job position (OR if you are a current student, please state whether you are in highschool, undergrad, or graduate),

2.) And your ideal career path

Answer 1

I am currently a medic in the US Army National Guard, a civilian auto mechanic, and a college student pursuing double degrees in Pre-Medicine and Women's Studies.

My goal is to bring a higher understanding of women's health into the Armed Forces and to decrease sexual harassment, gender-based myths, and the use of outdated sexist policies therein.

It was really hard for me to get my job as a mechanic. I practically grew up in a garage, but people still didn't really have any faith in my abilities. I tried to get a job in a repair shop in my hometown with one of my guy friends. We both went up to the owner at separate times to inquire about an open position. The owner turned me down, saying that I wasn't certified. Well, the very next day, my guy friend called me to say he got the job...he wasn't certified, either.

I moved off to college a few years ago and started working on my friends' cars. Word got around, and now their families and friends bring their cars to me. I still get men who try to swindle me out of my money for parts and such, but I've found that I can always take my business elsewhere.

Answer 2

I think the women who want to go into traditionally male fields should just do it. There is often still a social stigma, especially careers that are physically labor intensive, but I believe these women should do what they feel is best for them. They are still the leaders in changing these beliefs.

School was traditionally taught by a man not so long ago (200 year), it is now seen as a traditionally female career because women 150-100 years ago were slowly accepted into this career. You may also want to look at or mention careers that force men to overcome social obstacles as well, such as teaching, nursing and secretarial work.

I am a teacher, my ideal career is teaching. I hope to grow and improve as a teacher through furthering my own education and more experience, as well as become a wonderful mother some day.

EDIT-Bohemian gave me this idea. Title it "She Said She Wanted to be a Mechanic"

You could start it out almost like a story. Like you are sitting in the guidance office and everyone is talking to the counselors about what they want to do with the rest of their lives and you hear a girl say "I want to be a mechanic".

Now I don't know how traditional or non traditional your teacher is, you may want to ask before you start it as a story.

Answer 3

"So What If A Girl Wants To Become An Auto-Mechanic" is a good working title. However, and this is just a thought, but wouldn't the title "Who Really Cares If A Motor Mechanic Is A Woman" be more to the point? Ask yourself this question: Is it the gender of the person, or their trade qualification which is the crux of the matter? Come to Australia and work on a cattle station for a few months as a 'Jillaroo' and see for yourself how equal our 'sheilas' are to the 'blokes'. My best late wife, Wendy, could strip down a motor just as well as any man, and a damn sight better than most. She was raised on a property and worked as a chorus girl before getting her degree in psychology. I am a Male Nurse and can't use a hammer without reading the instructions. But give me a pair of tweezers, forceps and scissors and I am in my element. It is up to the person and their circumstances, attributes, prowess and inate aptitudes to determine what best suits them. The world is full of 'second rate' people with tertiary qualifications.
Cheers.

Answer 4

Check and find out if your school has an auto mechanics class. Do you have a car? if so go to autozone and get a repair manual for it if they have one. They are about 20 bucks or choose one for your parents car. Read it like the bible. Most sensors in cars and the mechanical workings are the same. The book will show you ways to check parts and how to install them which will give you a good idea. Also if you know anyone who is going to be working on a car. Ask to help and get your hands dirty. Good luck best wishes

Answer 5

I think people should do what ever they feel like doing.
I can't say that I've ever seen a female mechanic...but I do know women who are mechanically inclined.
lol...I am not one of them.
I'm way too feminine for any career where I have to get black grease behind my nails, so it wouldn't work for me...but more power to anyone who is doing what they love and getting payed for it!
I head an advertising department, after the decline in Real Estate, when my Investment career went soft.
I was a 5 star chef for many years prior to that (that was a less than glamorous job for sure).
Hopefully I'm on my ideal career path...I'm quite happy there.

Answer 6

It's a great idea--smaller hands fit in engines more easily! I am a HS grad with some college. I am a mom now, but would finish a psych degree and work in social science area if I could.

Answer 7

I personally wouldn't be excited or feel more validated as a female if I suddenly had the opportunity to become a mechanic or construction worker.
Aside from that, women are naturally less muscular than men, and certain physically demanding jobs are given to men because they have the strength to do it. Also, men psychologically are more inclined toward visuospacial skills, which makes them more apt to succeed in these jobs than women.
Countries whose religions and cultures don't facilitate women holding these jobs should be left alone. They have their rights as sovereign nations to make their own rules, and don't need to be told what to do. If they don't like it over there, they can wash dishes for a few months to raise enough money for a plane ticket to America, and come here and pursue their childhood auto mechanic dreams.

I'm a first year premed student.

Answer 8

Undergrad (first-year), communications major, advertising.

You could shorten the title a little; it's a bit too long as it is. Other than that, it's a pretty good idea, albeit slightly unoriginal. You might want to narrow your focus just a touch. For example, which field currently suffers the worst gender gap, and what have women done to close it?

Answer 9

I like your title, it makes me interested to read your paper and makes me think. Being a woman, I believe we should have equal opportunites to men and that we can do anything they can. I am currently in high school and would like to pursue and equine veterinarian as a job.

Answer 10

People should be free to do whatever it is they want to do without somebody riduculing them.

I think men should be able to pursue traditionally female dominated fields and vice versa. Whatever career suits a persons skills, apptitudes and interests.