Strength v Cleanliness: How Images of Masculinity and Equality Shape Women's Industrial Position in a "Man's World"

Abstract

In this article, emphasis is given to the cultural or symbolic dimension of work organization and industrial relations style in order to find a fuller explanation for the low participation of women in trade unions. To show the significance and operation of this dimension, the article concentrates on the description and analysis of an illuminating situation, the Gear freezing works in 1975.