What is Work?: Gender at the Crossroads of Home, Family, and Business from the Early Modern Era to the Present

The book "What Is Work?" explores how gender has shaped the definition of work in different Euro-American contexts over centuries, highlighting the ambiguities and biases that have influenced mainstream conceptions of work across social sectors.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 398 pages
\n Publication date: 01 November 2020
\n Publisher: Berghahn Books
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Throughout history, every society has established its own criteria for defining what constitutes work and what does not. These distinctions are often intertwined with issues of gender.
"What Is Work?" provides a comprehensive exploration of labor within the context of highly gendered household economies. Drawing from a diverse range of scholarship, including gender history, economic sociology, family history, civil law, and feminist economics, this collection of essays delves into the evolving and often contentious boundaries between what was and is considered work in various Euro-American societies across centuries. By examining these complexities, the essays aim to shed light on the ambiguities and biases that have shaped mainstream conceptions of work across all social sectors.

In the past, traditional gender roles dictated that certain tasks, such as domestic labor, were considered women's work while others, such as paid employment, were reserved for men. However, this binary division of labor has been challenged and blurred over time. As women have entered the workforce in greater numbers and taken on traditionally male-dominated roles, the lines between work and non-work have become increasingly blurred.

One of the key themes explored in "What Is Work?" is the concept of unpaid labor. Women, particularly in households with children, are often expected to perform unpaid labor, such as cooking, cleaning, and childcare, which is not recognized as work in traditional economic metrics. This has significant implications for women's economic empowerment and gender equality, as unpaid labor often contributes to income inequality and limits women's opportunities for career advancement.

Another important aspect of the book is the role of technology in shaping the nature of work. With the advent of automation and artificial intelligence, many traditional jobs have been replaced or transformed, leading to new forms of work that are often more flexible and decentralized. However, these changes have also created new challenges and inequalities, as some workers may be left behind while others benefit from the new opportunities.

The essays in "What Is Work?" also explore the historical and cultural factors that have influenced the definition of work. For example, religious beliefs and moral values have played a significant role in shaping how work is perceived and valued in different societies. Additionally, social norms and expectations about gender roles have also shaped the nature of work and contributed to gender inequality.

Overall, "What Is Work?" offers a valuable contribution to the study of labor and gender in the past and present. By bringing together scholars from various disciplines, the book provides a multi-dimensional understanding of the complex and multifaceted nature of work and its implications for social and economic inequality.

\n Weight: 544g\n
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 24 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781789208023\n \n