Patriarchal Hegemony in the Workplace: A Qualitative Analysis of Wage Inequality and Verbal Abuse as Barriers to Women’s Career Mobility

Abstract

This study aims to explore the dynamics of gender inequality in the workplace, particularly as manifested in wage inequality and verbal abuse. Despite the increasing participation of women in the workforce, the reality on the ground shows that there is task segregation and a work culture that normalizes symbolic violence. Using qualitative methods with a case study approach, data was collected through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and photo documentation to validate the physical conditions of the work environment. The results of the study show that wage inequality is often the result of gender-biased job segregation, where women are placed in administrative sectors that are considered lower in economic value than technical positions dominated by men. In addition, verbal harassment was found to be a mechanism of social control that perpetuates the subordination of women.