We want to work together but it’s hard. Organizational and social barriers to collective work while teaching traditionally male trades in vocational training in Quebec
This article describes collective work among teachers of traditionally male trades in vocational training in Quebec as well as obstacles to teachers’ collective work. As part of the interpretative paradigm, this exploratory study is based on the model of the work situation centered on the person in activity and aims to suggest transformations of the work situation that improve the health and well-being of teachers. A qualitative methodological framework was utilized. Interviews and observations were conducted with 12 teachers from diverse backgrounds. Analysis of the results reveals that collective work involves various forms of interaction (mutual assistance, collaboration and cooperation) that allow teachers to collaborate, to develop new skills and to regulate their workload. However, this collective work is undermined by organizational and social factors; some of which affect all teachers while others are specific to women.