Gender and class in the lives of young hairdressers: from serious to spectacular

Abstract

This paper discusses the class and gender experiences of young Australian hairdressers at work, at leisure and in relationships. Based on focus group data it was found that these young people negotiate a continuum between security (‘the serious’) and fun (‘the spectacular’) in both their work and social lives. The findings illustrate the dynamic nature of gender and class relations. I argue that relations of ‘production’ are more important than ‘consumption’ in shaping their lives. Difficult work conditions and low pay substantially constrain their participation in consumer culture and the opportunity for class mobility. Gender relations are in a state of flux; some take up new possibilities while others hold to traditional forms of femininity and masculinity. However, these diverse ways of doing gender are also constrained by a wider context that trivialises ‘women’s work' such as hairdressing. The serious to spectacular continuum is a useful way of describing the different ways these young people perform class and gender in their local context. It allows us to specify the possibilities for creativity and action within the constraints imposed by the wider gender and class order.

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