Desirable organisational masculinities: competition and entrepreneurialism in schools of construction in further education colleges

Abstract

This article presents findings from a study of heads of construction schools within 14 further education colleges. Moving from a culture of hyper-masculinity, of tough, dirty work, construction lecturers and managers have to renegotiate their identity and work practices to become congruent with the inclusiveness of further education, leaving behind the aggression and discrimination embedded within the discourses and behaviours of the building site. However, they do bring with them desirable organisational masculinities, competitiveness and entrepreneurialism, that are highly valued by the contemporary college. The article presents findings of competitive and entrepreneurial practices in schools of construction and discusses the key role heads of construction play in bringing together multiple masculinities for the benefit of their school and their learners.

Keywords:

• masculinities
• further education
• construction curriculum
• competition
• entrepreneurialism
• middle managers