Workplace romance

impacts of romantic relationships on women’s career trajectories

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21874/rsp.v76ic.11017

Keywords:

workplace romance, gender, harassment, sexism, romantic relationships

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the influence of romantic relationships in the workplace on women’s careers, focusing on power dynamics and gender inequalities, and exploring how structural machismo shapes the perception and consequences of sexual behaviors at work for women compared to men. Using a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with employees at Caixa Econômica Federal, a Brazilian public bank. The results show that women, especially those in lower positions, are more vulnerable to harassment, stigmatization, and job instability, especially after breakups. The analysis highlights how structural sexism and cultural norms affect the perception and how these relationships are handled, making the negative impact worse for women. This research adds to the literature by providing a critical look at power and gender dynamics in workplace romances and suggests the need for more equitable and inclusive organizational policies.

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Author Biographies

Diana Loureiro Valls Gallo, Universidade de Brasília (UnB), Brasília – DF, Brasil

PhD Student in Clinical and Cultural Psychology and Master in Social, Work, and Organizational Psychology at the University of Brasília (UnB). Bachelor’s degree in Social Communication – Journalism and Audiovisual from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). Undergraduate student in Psychology at the University of Brasília (UnB). Employee at Caixa Econômica Federal.

Isidro Valls-Salles, Universidade de Brasília (UnB), Brasília – DF, Brasil

PhD Student and Master in Social, Work, and Organizational Psychology at the University of Brasília (UnB). Degree in Psychology – Psychologist, Bachelor, and Licentiate – from the University of Brasília (UnB). Researcher at the Institute for Applied Economic Research (Ipea). Professor at the National Police Academy (ANP).

Aline Souza Bastos, Universidade de Brasília (UnB), Brasília – DF, Brasil

Master’s student in Clinical and Cultural Psychology at the University of Brasília (UnB). Specialist in Public Policy Management from Unyleya. Bachelor’s degree in Multimedia Journalism from the State University of Bahia (UNEB). Works professionally at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), within the United Nations (UN).

Carla Sabrina Antloga, Universidade de Brasília (UnB), Brasília – DF, Brasil

Postdoctoral degree in Psychology from the University of São Paulo (USP), with technical training at the Conservatoire d'Arts et Métiers, Paris. PhD and Master’s degree in Social, Work, and Organizational Psychology (PSTO), and Psychologist from the University of Brasília (UnB). Professor in the Graduate Program in Clinical and Cultural Psychology at the University of Brasília (UnB).

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Published

2026-01-23

How to Cite

Loureiro Valls Gallo, D., Valls-Salles, I., Souza Bastos, A., & Antloga, C. S. (2026). Workplace romance: impacts of romantic relationships on women’s career trajectories. Revista Do Serviço Público, 76(c), 318-338. https://doi.org/10.21874/rsp.v76ic.11017

Issue

Vol. 76 No. c (2026): Women in public management: paths to gender equality

Section

Edição Especial: Mulheres na gestão pública (encerrada)

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