Book dossier

Gender Equality in Public Services

by Hazel Conley, Margaret Page

"Equality of opportunity is a phrase that is embedded in the language of most organizations, even if it is not always identifiable in their practices. Since the civil rights movement in the US, and anti-discrimination legislation of the 1970s in the UK, jolted organizations on both sides of the Atlantic into taking the concept seriously, public service delivery has often led the way both in terms of developing new approaches and sometimes in highlighting the disturbing extent of social inequality.Gender Equality in Public Services offers an analysis of how the organization of gender equality work in British public services is changing in response to legislation, the privatisation of and reduced state expenditure on public services, the devolution of power from central to regional and local government, and the rise of third wave feminism. The book also takes a look at the challenges and opportunities for promoting women's equality in employment and public services during these times of change. The issues covered affect most advanced economies and the argument developed in the book draws from and contributes to international feminist debates and research literature on the potential of equality and gender mainstreaming work for radical and transformational change, and to feminist organization theory. As such, it will appeal to students, researchers and practitioners interested in the lived experience of equality policy and change processes, feminist organization theory and gender mainstreaming practice"-- "The provision of state funded and democratically accountable care services represents one of the most potentially transformative advances in gendered social relations and equality for women by 'defamilizing' care and providing paid work. But the cost of providing these services, which women have access to them and how they should be provided are always at the forefront of debate, especially during economic crises. Socially funded and publicly accountable care services are therefore a key site of feminist activity, but also the frontline for spending cuts and 'reform' during times of austerity. Gender Equality in Public Services analyses how gender equality work in British public services is changing in response to factors including: equality legislation; the erosion of local democracy, privatisation of public services and new forms of feminist activism and leadership. It also assesses the challenges and opportunities for promoting women's equality in producing and using public services. Impacting upon developed and developing economies, the arguments in this challenging book explore the potential of equality and feminist activism and leadership for radical and transformational change. It will appeal to advanced students, researchers and practitioners interested in social policy, feminist organization theory, equal opportunities and gender mainstreaming practice"--