Traditional family ideology and women managers in tourism

Abstract

This study analyzes the influence of the family context and the traditional family ideology on women managers’ construction as mothers and as economically active beings in the Portuguese tourism sector. Twenty-four female Portuguese senior managers in hotels and travel businesses were interviewed. Some women acknowledged the existence of a ‘motherhood penalty’. Still, most wanted to have both a family and a career. Practically all interviewees combined several childcare solutions. Despite these arrangements, many experienced work-family conflict. To conclude, Portugal displays both signals of advancements in gender equality and deep inequalities.