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: Paperback / softback
Length: 234 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
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 author's extensive research spanning several decades. Through these data, the book illuminates how attitudes have evolved and shaped the development of social policy, ultimately influencing the lives of countless individuals.

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 traditional roles within the home. It explores the comparative well-being of housewives and employed married women, shedding light on the disparities that existed. Furthermore, it 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 the book reveals how this legislation gradually shifted societal attitudes, fostering a more inclusive workplace environment.

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 from Ireland and various European countries. It explores the perception of men who work part-time and investigates whether this arrangement is perceived as less serious about their careers. The concluding chapter delves into 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 for workplaces and social policy to evolve to accommodate the diverse needs of men and women for work-life balance.

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 remarkable journey.

Weight: 430g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367564919