'They see you coming.' A comparative study of sexual politics and women officials in English Canada and Australia.
Date
1999
Authors
Franzway, S.M.
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Journal article
Citation
Labour & Industry, 1999; 10(2):147-168
Statement of Responsibility
Conference Name
Abstract
This paper argues that sexual politics is an important dimension of gender relations in trade union movements. The argument is developed through analysis and comparison of some of the ways sexual politics are contested by women union officials in the (English) Canadian and Australian trade union movements, in particular, strategies based on sameness and on difference between women and men, strategies around the diversity and dominance of sexualities, and on sexual harassment. Sexual politics involves problems of men s resistance as well as the potential for alliances between women and men. There is no unanimity about successful strategies, but the union women agree that challenging unequal gender relations demands a sexual politics of strategic dilemmas and potential resistance based on men's gender difference.