An approach to the situation of Spanish women holding research/teaching positions based on the production/reproduction model

The basis of this study is the concept of double presence in the theoretical mainframe of production-reproduction model. Current Spanish reality has created a conflict between productive and reproductive work and has caused an unequal distribution between women and men, of both the weight and the value of the work. The access of Spanish women scientists and engineers in technically related research fields has been increasing in a spectacular way in Spain in the past few years, giving rise to a new, socially different group regarding its activity and double presence in the productive and reproductive model. From this viewpoint, the university offers apparent workplace flexibility and a different productivity concept that perhaps could be an interesting study case for solving this conflict, tacitly assumed by Spanish society. The study chose technical women (both scientists and engineers) holding university positions at the University of Zaragoza (Spain) as the object of study. The research consists of a questionnaire focused on the tensions due to the double presence of women, and its direct consequences in their vertical professional progress and also in the relative importance given to each role. The results of the study show that there are two different groups of women, one that gives priority to their families, and another that shows the greatest availability not only to travel because of working reasons, but also to move out for promotion. These two groups correspond to different social situations, and also derive from different work positions. General results of their opinion about both their work and their reproductive responsibilities are also given.