Gender and Activism in Australian Unions

Abstract

Australian unions are acting-with varying levels of intensity-to increase wom en's activism. Are these strategies addressing real problems, in the most appropri ate ways? New research in six Australian unions or union divisions reveals that significant differences exist in the activism of women and men union members. Gender differences persist beyond variations in age, income, occupation or years in the union. These differences in activism are not explained by stronger anti-union attitudes among women, or by a lack of interest in involvement; no significant differences exist between the sexes on these issues. Instead, women nominate a range of factors that inhibit their involvement, most significantly in relation to the double load of paid work and home work, and a variety of ways in which unions traditionally have worked. Some women also perceive that personal characteris tics like lack of information or confidence are barriers to their involvement. There is strong support among union members for more women leaders. The study suggests that unions should turn existing strategies (which tend to over-emphasize assumed deficiencies in women) on their heads, and give much greater priority to reforming union methods, culture and structure.

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