Women, Work, and Activism: Chapters of an Inclusive History of Labor in the Long Twentieth Century

Women, Work, and Activism is a book that explores the history of women's labor activism across different contexts, from late nineteenth-century Portuguese mutual societies to Yugoslav peasant womens work in the 1930s, and from the Catalan labor movement under the Franco dictatorship to workplace democracy in the United States. It highlights the diverse ways in which women have engaged in labor activism, including resistance to masculinist trade unionism, feminist engagement, and activism by communist wives. The book emphasizes the gendered involvement of working people in unpaid labor and precarious labor relations, and the role of the state and other institutions in shaping the history of womens labor. It is an innovative contribution to both new labor history and feminist history, integrating conceptual advances made by gender historians and challenging Eurocentric historiographies of labor.

Format: Hardback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 10 September 2022
Publisher: Central European University Press

Women, Work, and Activism is a comprehensive and meticulously researched book that delves into the intricate and multifaceted world of womens labor struggles across different historical contexts. Spanning from late nineteenth-century Portuguese mutual societies to the Yugoslav peasant womens work in the 1930s, and from the Catalan labor movement under the Franco dictatorship to workplace democracy in the United States, this book offers a rich and detailed account of womens labor activism.

The thirteen critical and well-documented chapters of Women, Work, and Activism provide a comprehensive exploration of womens labor activism from various periods and regions. The authors present a diverse range of perspectives, showcasing the multifaceted nature of womens labor activism. This includes spontaneous resistance against masculinist trade unionism, the active engagement of women workers in feminist movements, the activism of communist wives of workers, and female long-distance migration, among others.

The chapters in Women, Work, and Activism address the gendered involvement of working people in complex and often precarious and unstable labor relations, as well as in unpaid labor. They also examine the role of the state and other institutions in shaping the history of womens labor. By integrating the conceptual advances made by gender historians in the study of labor activism, the book offers a critical critique of Eurocentric historiographies of labor to Europe while simultaneously contributing to an inclusive history of womens labor-related activism across different continents.

One of the key strengths of Women, Work, and Activism is its ability to examine womens activism in male-dominated movements and institutions. The authors challenge traditional narratives that have often marginalized or ignored the contributions of women to labor movements and social movements. They highlight the ways in which women have been active participants, organizers, and leaders in these movements, often facing significant barriers and challenges.

Furthermore, the book emphasizes the importance of womens networks and organizations in promoting womens labor activism. It explores the ways in which these networks have provided support, solidarity, and collective action for women workers, enabling them to overcome isolation and marginalization. The authors also examine the challenges and limitations faced by womens networks and organizations, such as gender-based discrimination, lack of resources, and political marginalization.

In conclusion, Women, Work, and Activism is a groundbreaking and innovative contribution to both the new labor history and feminist history. It provides a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of womens labor activism across different historical contexts, challenging traditional narratives and highlighting the diverse and complex ways in which women have engaged in labor movements and social movements. Through its interdisciplinary approach, the book offers valuable insights into the history of womens labor and its ongoing relevance in contemporary society.

Weight: 684g
Dimension: 158 x 235 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789633864418