Which way forward for gender equality – and is there an alternative to running with 'wolves'?

Beirne, M. and Wilson, F. (2014) Which way forward for gender equality – and is there an alternative to running with 'wolves'? In: British Academy of Management (BAM) 2014 Conference, Belfast, UK, 9-11 Sep 2014,

Abstract

This paper examines recent thinking about viable ways forward for gender equality at work. It questions both the lingering attachment to feminization in popular commentary and the renewed interest in positive discrimination within academic circles. Arguing for greater attention to be given to the frontline agency of disadvantaged women and material conditions that affect equality activism, it also highlights contradictory pressures on trades unions and tensions in equality bargaining. Other third party agents, particularly ‘no-win-no-fee’ lawyers, are considered to be neglected actors, having greater relevance than the literature typically acknowledges, covering gaps in representation and helping to mobilize women and politicize pay inequality in the public sector.

• Item Type: Conference Proceedings
• Keywords: workplace equality, gender and career, positive discrimination, equality bargaining, legal action, equality politics
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Wilson, Professor Fiona and Beirne, Professor Martin
• Authors: Beirne, M., and Wilson, F.
• Subjects: H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > Adam Smith Business School > Management