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Women’s participation in teacher unions: Implications of a ‘triple burden’ for union gender equality strategies

Author

Listed:
  • Mihajla Gavin

    (University of Technology Sydney, Australia)

  • Susan McGrath-Champ

    (University of Sydney, Australia)

  • Meghan Stacey

    (University of New South Wales, Australia)

  • Rachel Wilson

    (University of Sydney, Australia)

Abstract

Amidst declining union influence, teacher unions have retained power. However, work intensification, arising from increasing reform in school education, has potentially undermined union participation, particularly women’s. Using a mixed-method approach, this article examines how the tangled combination of women’s paid work, union participation and family/domestic responsibilities (the ‘triple burden’) affects women’s roles as unionists. Examining the case of Australian teachers, the article finds that while demands of ‘work’ and ‘life’ can stifle union participation, it is specifically the cultural and historical legacies in unions that hinder women’s participation. The findings offer new insights around issues affecting the participation of women in female-dominated unions, and the intersection between union organisation and operation and the member-workers whom they represent.

Suggested Citation

  • Mihajla Gavin & Susan McGrath-Champ & Meghan Stacey & Rachel Wilson, 2022. "Women’s participation in teacher unions: Implications of a ‘triple burden’ for union gender equality strategies," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 43(2), pages 830-852, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ecoind:v:43:y:2022:i:2:p:830-852
    DOI: 10.1177/0143831X20958481
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. 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.
    2. Louise Thornthwaite & Nikola Balnave & Alison Barnes, 2018. "Unions and social media: Prospects for gender inclusion," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 25(4), pages 401-417, July.
    3. Emily Murphy & Daniel Oesch, 2015. "The Feminization of Occupations and Change in Wages: A Panel Analysis of Britain, Germany and Switzerland," SOEPpapers on Multidisciplinary Panel Data Research 731, DIW Berlin, The German Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP).
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