Barriers to Women
Barriers to Women’s Employment and Progression in the Labour Market in the North East of England
RESEARCH REPORT
February 2004
Centre for Social and Policy Research University of Teesside
Authors: Prof Eileen Green Heather Easton Dr Jeanne Moore Joan Heggie
CONTENTS 1. 2. Introduction Methodology Case studies Questionnaire sample Case study interviews Community interviews 3. Findings 3.1 What’s new? 3.2 The current study 3.3 Varieties and Complexities of Women’s Working Lives Meanings of Work Multiple Identities Home and Work: Sense of Community At home in work 3.4 Work and home A balancing act? Desire for change Women’s working lives Participant earnings 3.5 Main barriers to employment and progression Childcare/caring for others Flexible hours and time Lack of support/encouragement Expectations for progression: Self-esteem, confidence and self-efficacy Suitable employment opportunities and training 3.6 When is a barrier not a barrier? Pervasive ‘gender lines’: Gender as a barrier The womb syndrome Gender roles and stereotypes Ambitions: mapping out women’s choices and decisions Overcoming other barriers 3.7 Case Studies Barriers to Employment By Case Study Policy vs. Practice: Equal Opportunities Policies and Employee Perceptions Awareness of benefits/facilities on offer in the workplace 4. Conclusions and Recommendations Why gender is still an issue Thinking outside the box Widening Horizons References Appendix A - Demographics Appendix B - Interview Schedule Appendix C - Completed Life Grid Acknowledgements Research Outputs Further Information
PAGE 3 7 7 8 8 9 10 10 11 12 12 13 14 15 16 16 17 17 18 19 19 21 22 24 25 27 27 29 31 32 33 35 35 41 43 46 46 48 49 50 53 57 61 63 64 65
1. Introduction
The ‘Barriers to Women’s Employment and Progression in the Workplace’ research project was funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) under Objective 3. This Objective was aimed primarily at tackling barriers to labour market participation. The overall
RESEARCH REPORT
February 2004
Centre for Social and Policy Research University of Teesside
Authors: Prof Eileen Green Heather Easton Dr Jeanne Moore Joan Heggie
CONTENTS 1. 2. Introduction Methodology Case studies Questionnaire sample Case study interviews Community interviews 3. Findings 3.1 What’s new? 3.2 The current study 3.3 Varieties and Complexities of Women’s Working Lives Meanings of Work Multiple Identities Home and Work: Sense of Community At home in work 3.4 Work and home A balancing act? Desire for change Women’s working lives Participant earnings 3.5 Main barriers to employment and progression Childcare/caring for others Flexible hours and time Lack of support/encouragement Expectations for progression: Self-esteem, confidence and self-efficacy Suitable employment opportunities and training 3.6 When is a barrier not a barrier? Pervasive ‘gender lines’: Gender as a barrier The womb syndrome Gender roles and stereotypes Ambitions: mapping out women’s choices and decisions Overcoming other barriers 3.7 Case Studies Barriers to Employment By Case Study Policy vs. Practice: Equal Opportunities Policies and Employee Perceptions Awareness of benefits/facilities on offer in the workplace 4. Conclusions and Recommendations Why gender is still an issue Thinking outside the box Widening Horizons References Appendix A - Demographics Appendix B - Interview Schedule Appendix C - Completed Life Grid Acknowledgements Research Outputs Further Information
PAGE 3 7 7 8 8 9 10 10 11 12 12 13 14 15 16 16 17 17 18 19 19 21 22 24 25 27 27 29 31 32 33 35 35 41 43 46 46 48 49 50 53 57 61 63 64 65
1. Introduction
The ‘Barriers to Women’s Employment and Progression in the Workplace’ research project was funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) under Objective 3. This Objective was aimed primarily at tackling barriers to labour market participation. The overall