Introduction to the Handbook on Gender and Public Sector Employment

This chapter provides an overview of the structure and contents of the book. It begins by sketching the main issues in relation to gender equality in public sector employment that include gendered occupational segregation, the role of the State as both employer and paymaster of public services, austerity and the Covid-19 pandemic. The chapter highlights that the book explores theoretical, conceptual and empirical research from established and early career researchers. It takes an international and intersectional perspective, which acknowledges that those who work in public sector employment have differences in demography that shape their experiences at work. These perspectives are woven throughout the contributions rather than confining them to a particular section of the book. The chapter then outlines the structure of the book and provides a thumbnail description of each of the 25 substantive chapters. The concluding comments identify that the underpinning logic for the position of women identified in each chapter is consistent: women’s paid labour in public services is universally valued less than men’s and their unpaid labour is generally disregarded. Any improvements would require rethinking how public services, particularly care work, are valued and funded in societies.