The Reflection of Gender

Gender questions and the unequal situation of women at the highest level of the municipal hierarchy have been hidden under the common notion that in Nordic countries, such as in Finland, equality between the sexes in working life has been achieved. However, according to this thesis, the reflection of gender greatly influences the careers and work of women managers in Finnish municipalities. Anna Liisa Westman explores these hidden gendered practices. She evaluates the life of women as managers and career makers from a gender perspective by using three gendered dimensions; masculine, feminine and androgynous. Through theory and indepth interviews a model of good leadership for Finnish municipalities is developed.