AM I HERE BECAUSE I'M A GIRL? A QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF WOMEN IN NEW YORK AND STOCKHOLM'S FINANCE SECTOR

Abstract

This thesis adopts qualitative methods in comparing the lived experiences of men and women in New York and Stockholm’s financial sector. Through analysis of interviews conducted in each city, the role of national policy and personal experiences provide insight into the state of the financial sector in both countries. Two research questions are posed, the first seeking to explore gender inequality on a rather one- dimensional scale, contributing to further understanding as to why women are not as successful as men in different settings within finance and how each country is working towards confronting this issue. In posing this question, three levels of response will be offered, the first being individual characteristics accounting for sociological and psychological differences, the second assigning attention to the role of gender dynamics in the workplace, and the final placing consideration on the impacts that parental leave policies have in influencing the career trajectories of women in finance. The second question advances the true meaning of equality in the workplace, that although efforts are being made to promote diversity and inclusion, new obstacles present themselves and the notion of equality must extend beyond simply giving women seats at the table. This issue will speak to the ways in which individuals describe their sources of motivation and measures of well-being.

In exploring topics such as motivations to pursue a career in finance, definitions of happiness and success, differences in risk appetite, views on mentorship, the function of marriage and children, and the role that gender plays in day to day experiences, I hypothesize that statistics depicting progress and recognition of progressive parental leave are only so indicative of the state of the workplace. Findings indicate the existence of this problem in both cities, but qualitative interviews shed light onto the complexity of this issue as women are faced with different types of obstacles in each city. Sweden, although regarded as offering one of the most generous parental leave policies in the world, may hinder women both in their entrance into the profession as well as their advancement to more executive levels. However, the combination of New York’s cutthroat environment and higher level of females with an athletic background may be more advantageous to women who are seeking to pursue a career in finance. Further exploration reveals that the United States may be leading in its efforts to diminish the overused question of a woman asking herself, “Am I here because I’m a girl?”