1st Edition

Gender Segregation Divisions of Work in Post-Industrial Welfare States

By Lena Gonäs, Jan Ch Karlsson Copyright 2006
    184 Pages
    by Routledge

    184 Pages
    by Routledge

    This insightful volume asks if, and to what extent, gender divisions in working life are changing. The contributors discuss the implications from a labour market perspective and a family-work level perspective, which are combined to examine if and where patterns of gender integration can be found. Research from several European countries is presented, as well as from the US, to provide comparative and international perspectives. A wide range of related issues are tackled including questions of methodology and measurement, as well as segregation patterns, welfare state provisions and the use of parental leave. The volume provides suggestions for integration at different levels of society and, by applying a multidisciplinary approach and illustrating developments on different analytical levels, the authors further the discussion on how integration can be pursued.

    Contents: Divisions of gender and work, Lena Gonäs, Jan Ch Karlsson; Labour market inequality, past and future: a perspective from the United States, Chris Tilly; Gendered divisions of work - a multilevel approach, Lena Gonäs; Segregated integration, Ann Bergman; Measuring gender segregation, Ruth Emerek; The new economy and the work life balance: conceptual explorations and a case study of new media, Diane Perrons; Life modes and gender in the Swedish public-health sector, Liselotte Jakobsen; Employment, flexible working, and the family, Rosemary Crompton; Men's parental leave - a manifestation of gender equality or child-orientation?, Lisbeth Bekkengen; Dualities and contradictions, Lena Gonäs and Jan Ch Karlsson; Index.

    Biography

    Lena Gonäs is Professor of Working Life Science at Karlstad University, Sweden, and a researcher and Program Director at the National Institute for Working Life in Stockholm, Sweden. Jan Ch Karlsson is Professor of Sociology at Karlstad University, Sweden.

    'This book makes significant contributions to our understanding of the complexities of gender segregation. Thoughtful discussions of measurement problems, reporting of innovative research on segregation in organizations, and discussions of work-family contributions to segregation add up to a thought-provoking whole. The focus on Sweden and its widespread segregation is particularly instructive given the reputation of Sweden as the most gender-equal country in the world. Authors include sociologists well-known in English speaking countries, including Rosemary Crompton and Chris Tilly, who write from British and US perspectives.' Joan Acker, University of Oregon, USA Gonas and Karlsson describe the central theme as examining if, and to what extent, gender divisions in work are changing. A particular strength is the integration of work in the labour market and household. ...an interesting and worthwhile book' Asian Journal of Social Science