LIVES Working paper 99/2023 - Vocational training pathways through the prism of sexism and homophobia

The aim of the longitudinal survey 'Vocational training pathways through the prism of sexism and homophobia', funded by the SNSF, is to study students' training pathways and the process of reorientation or discontinuation of learning through the prism of sexist and homophobic discrimination.

This first report presents the main descriptive results obtained from three waves of quantitative questionnaires, involving more than 2,000 students in vocational training in the canton of Geneva, and analyses from 39 qualitative interviews conducted with a sub-group of students.

The results show that, overall, women and non-heterosexuals are more exposed to sexist and homophobic discrimination and to physical or verbal violence in the various vocational training courses. This is generally more marked in male-dominated fields, where sexism and homophobia are more prevalent. The experience of discrimination, the perception of a hostile climate and the concealment of one's sexual orientation are three factors that significantly increase the intention of non-hetero apprentices to stop their training. It also appears that anyone whose appearance or behaviour does not correspond to gender norms is at risk of homophobic and/or sexist discrimination, regardless of their sexual orientation.

The report concludes with suggestions for action. In particular, it stresses that schools must place the fight against homophobia and sexism at the heart of their values and act accordingly, by developing listening facilities, for example, or by more systematically raising awareness of issues relating to gender diversity and sexual orientation in school materials and sexuality education courses.

Full report in PDF format (in French only)