Women, work and employment

Lecturer: Debby Bonnin
Semester: Two

Over the last fifty years there have been global transformations in women’s position in the economy, for example in South Africa women have increased from 23% of the economically active population in 1960 to 44% in 1996. Fundamental transformations in gender relations lie behind these changes. The primary aim of this course is to explore these transformations through an examination of their impact on the labour market, employment and the economy. Central to such an exploration are the contributions of recent developments in feminist theory.

The course will begin by examining recent developments in feminist theory and the way in which women=s oppression in South Africa has been theorised. The central question is that of difference, this underlines questions about both the universality of the category women as well as the nature of the relationship between male and female.

The second theme will be concerned with the gendered economy. This will be done by examining firstly, the impact of feminist theory on economic analysis and secondly, women=s position in the global economy and labour market.

The third theme will be looking at policy and measures of transformation. Here we will examine some key areas of policy work.

SECTION ONE: Introducing Key Concepts

In this section we will examine some of the key concepts and debates that are necessary to
understanding women=s position in the world of work and employment.

Seminar 1 – Post-structural Feminism: Introducing some of the debates
Seminar 2 – The challenge of African feminism
Seminar 3 – Feminism in South Africa: Theory and Practise
Seminar 4 – Race and gender: Intersectionality the New Policy Buzzword

SECTION TWO: The Gendered Economy

In this section we will turn our attention to the economy. Some of the issues we will think about include: What has been the impact of feminist theory on economic analysis? How has women=s position in the labour market been theorised and/or >explained=? What is women=s position in the global economy and labour market? How have changes in the global economy affected women=s employment? How has the >theory= translated into policy?

Seminar 5 – The impact of feminism on economic analysis.
Seminar 6 – The gendered economy
Seminar 7 ? Women, gender and flexible labour markets

SECTION THREE: Women in Management

In the third section we will focus specifically on women in management. Here we will be looking at some of the issues affecting women in management and some policy interventions that have been proposed in order to transform the workplace into a less discriminatory and more gender sensitive environment

Seminar 8 ? Thinking about policy: whose problem?
Seminar 9 ? The Glass Ceiling: fact or myth?
Seminar 10 ? Gender and Management Styles ? is there a feminine way of managing?
Seminar 11 ? Affirmative Action ? is it a solution?

There will be one seminar every week. The course will be run on a reading and seminar basis. Reading lists will be available the week before the seminar. Students will be required to read the proscribed readings, write seminar papers and present key issues at the seminars. The seminar papers are required to summarise the main points of debate from the literature and present some critical opinion. When presenting you should present the main points of debate from your paper and lead the discussion. Your seminar paper should be between 6-8 typed pages (11/2 spacing).

Research Project

You need to embark on a related research project. You will receive a separate hand-out on this. The research report should be between 6000-8000 words.

Assignments and assessment

Seminar papers will comprise 25% of your semester mark (we will use the top mark from each section). Seminar papers are due on the day of the seminar. Seminar papers – relate to the week’s seminar material, prescribed readings are the main source. The research project comprises 50% of the semester mark. Exam: the format will be a take-home exam. This will comprise 25% of your semester mark. (Please note that I have to confirm the mark allocations.)