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Anatomy of women’s participation in small professional unions

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  • Gill Kirton

    (Queen Mary University of London, UK)

Abstract

This article brings the neglected topic of small professional unions into the women and unions literature. In addition to an overview of women’s representation and gender equality strategies in small professional UK unions, it offers a contextually grounded analysis of barriers and enablers of women’s participation in Napo – the union representing professional workers in the probation service. The article identifies several enablers: healthy levels of women’s representation over a long period of time; presence and longevity of gender equality strategies; a strong occupational identity; occupational values that complement those of unionism. However, a highly pressured work environment and hostile industrial relations climate create lived insecurities, work–life imbalance and time poverty, which have constrained women professionals’ union participation.

Suggested Citation

  • Gill Kirton, 2018. "Anatomy of women’s participation in small professional unions," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 39(1), pages 151-172, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ecoind:v:39:y:2018:i:1:p:151-172
    DOI: 10.1177/0143831X15606981
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ian Kessler & Paul Heron, 2001. "Steward Organization in a Professional Union: The Case of The Royal College of Nursing," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 39(3), pages 367-391, September.
    2. Gill Kirton, 2015. "Progress Towards Gender Democracy in UK Unions 1987–2012," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 53(3), pages 484-507, September.
    3. Sabine Blaschke, 2011. "Determinants of female representation in the decision-making structures of trade unions," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 32(3), pages 421-438, August.
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