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Alternative and parallel career paths for women: the case of trade union participation

Author

Listed:
  • Gill Kirton

    (Queen Mary, University of London, UK, g.kirton@qmul.ac.uk)

Abstract

This article argues that a broader, horizontal and multiple concept of career helps us to understand women’s union participation. Women frequently commit to and actively balance more than one significant life activity - each of which can be conceptualized as a career - in the public and private spheres. These careers inter-relate and overlap, sometimes complementing each other, sometimes conflicting; thus commitment to, progression in, or setbacks for one mode of career cannot be understood without appreciation of the others. The study shows that within a context of gendered employment barriers and constraints, a trade union career can often constitute an alternative or parallel career for women, to which some women commit the energy and resources many people reserve for their paid work careers. The article also explores the private meanings attached to careers, revealing union careers as a subjective and moral project.

Suggested Citation

  • Gill Kirton, 2006. "Alternative and parallel career paths for women: the case of trade union participation," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 20(1), pages 47-65, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:woemps:v:20:y:2006:i:1:p:47-65
    DOI: 10.1177/0950017006061273
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Teresa Rees, 1990. "Gender, Power and Trade Union Democracy," Palgrave Macmillan Books, in: Patricia Fosh & Edmund Heery (ed.), Trade Unions and their Members, chapter 7, pages 177-205, Palgrave Macmillan.
    2. Geraldine Healy & Gill Kirton, 2000. "Women, Power and Trade Union Government in the UK," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 38(3), pages 343-360, September.
    3. Gill Kirton & Geraldine Healy, 2004. "Shaping Union and Gender Identities: A Case Study of Women‐Only Trade Union Courses," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 42(2), pages 303-323, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Getinet Astatike Haile, 2021. "Men, women and unions," Industrial Relations Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 52(3), pages 201-217, May.
    2. Cécile Guillaume, 2018. "Women's Participation in a Radical Trade Union Movement That Claims to be Feminist," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 56(3), pages 556-578, September.

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