Perceptions of gender discrimination: evidence from a national survey

This study examines perceptions and personal experiences of gender discrimination in the Brazilian private labor market using original survey data. The methodology employed relies on quantitative, survey-based research, using an online questionnaire, resulting in a final analytical sample of 664 private-sector workers across different occupational fields. The analysis focuses on gender differences in perceived discrimination and assesses whether these perceptions vary between STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and non-STEM occupations, using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests of independence. The results indicate that women consistently report higher levels of perceived discrimination, particularly regarding professional recognition, skill evaluation, and everyday workplace interactions. Difficulties related to work–life balance are also significantly more pronounced among women, largely driven by domestic and caregiving responsibilities. In contrast, differences between STEM and non-STEM occupations are limited: only the perception of having one’s skills underestimated due to gender shows a statistically significant association with STEM employment. Overall, the findings suggest that gender itself—rather than occupational field—is the primary factor shaping perceptions of workplace discrimination. By incorporating subjective perceptions alongside traditional labor market indicators, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of how gender inequality is reproduced within organizational contexts and underscores the relevance of perceptual data for informing workplace equity policies.