Women and Work in Ireland: A Half Century of Attitude and Policy Change

This book explores the evolution of womens participation in the labor force in Ireland over the last five decades, focusing on the factors that predisposed some married women to enter the workplace, the effects of anti-discrimination legislation, childcare policy, work-life balance, and the impact on men and gender relations. It will be of interest to social scientists and students and will provide a valuable resource for courses in the sociology of work and the family, gender studies, social psychology, and Irish studies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 214 pages
Publication date: 19 October 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the remarkable transformation of women's participation in the Irish labor force over the past five decades. Fueled by the unwavering dedication of married women and mothers, this transformative journey has sparked a series of interconnected social issues, including childcare, flexible working arrangements, the equitable distribution of domestic responsibilities, and work-life balance. The book presents a wealth of empirical data, meticulously gathered through the authors' extensive research spanning several decades. Through these data, the book illuminates how attitudes have evolved and shaped the development of social policy, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.

The book begins by delving into the factors that initially propelled some married women into the workforce in the early 1970s, while the majority remained confined to the domestic realm. It explores the comparative well-being of housewives and employed married women, shedding light on the disparities that existed within the traditional gender roles. Furthermore, the book examines the profound impact of the anti-discrimination legislation introduced in the 1970s on women's perception of discrimination over time. Initially, women may have denied their own experiences of discrimination, but as time passed, they began to recognize the systemic barriers that hindered their progress.

The history of childcare policy in Ireland is meticulously examined, tracing the evolution of policy recommendations from the early Government Working Party reports of the 1980s to the present-day landscape. The book raises thought-provoking questions about work-life balance, examining cross-cultural comparisons between Ireland and several European countries. It explores the societal perceptions surrounding men who work part-time, challenging the notion that their commitment to their careers is somehow diminished. The concluding chapter of the book focuses on the profound impact of women's participation in the workplace on men and gender relations. It raises important questions about the need for men to adapt and evolve alongside women in seeking work-life balance. The book also prompts a discussion about the extent to which workplaces and social policy must change to accommodate the diverse needs of men and women.

This book is a valuable resource for social scientists, students, and anyone interested in the sociology of work and the family, gender studies, social psychology, and Irish studies. It offers a comprehensive and insightful examination of the evolving landscape of women's participation in the labor force, providing valuable insights into the complex interplay between social, cultural, and economic factors that have shaped this transformative journey.

Weight: 492g
Dimension: 162 x 240 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138029750