THEM ON THE STEERING WHEEL:

THE INCLUSION OF WOMEN BUS DRIVERS

Abstract

This research aims to investigate the process of inclusion in the work environment of female public transport motorists. As a theoretical basis, Ferdman's paradoxes (2017) were used, divided into three nuclei: self-expression and identity, which concerns the tensions between singularity and belonging; borders and norms, which deal with stability and delimitation or instability and change; and finally, safety and comfort, which refer to the sensations of comfort or discomfort that generate changes in the individual and in work relationships. Thus, qualitative research was carried out through semi-structured interviews with 11 public transport drivers in Fortaleza, whose data were analyzed using the content analysis technique. Among the results, it was noticed that the greater appreciation of similar characteristics than differences, well-defined norms, equal treatment, opportunities for professional growth and acceptance of the group are determining factors for inclusion. However, factors such as prejudice, multiple journeys, interference from external bodies in company policies, few inclusive actions, in addition to the challenges inherent to the profession are barriers that affect the drivers' sense of inclusion.