Eclectic Framework Research Articles

The oil palm wine economy of rural farmers in Nigeria: evidence from Enugu Ezike, south-eastern Nigeria

AbstractThe study considers the economics of the oil palm (Elaeis guinensis) to rural farmers in a rural community in south-eastern Nigeria. It compares the economic benefits of all products of the oil palm industry – palm oil, palm kernel, timber, palm wine and brooms. It posits that the most important product of the oil palm to the Enugu Ezike farmer is oil palm wine. This contrasts with the view that holds palm oil and palm kernel as the chief products of the oil palm. In a study conducted in Enugu Ezike, findings reveal that annual revenue from palm wine surpasses the six-yearly income from palm oil, palm kernel and brooms together. The study employs an eclectic framework of data collection, involving oral interviews, focus group discussions, participant observation, and the use of secondary sources. The oil palm is by every standard the most economically important tree crop and proceeds from it have positively influenced the socio-economic life of the rural communities, and as a result it has improved their living conditions.

Developing A Cross-Cultural Conceptual Framework for the Validation of the Advanced Clinical Solutions (ACS)-SP: Assessing Social Perception in Latinx Populations

Abstract Objective Develop a cross-cultural conceptual framework for the validation of the Advanced Clinical Solutions (ACS) Social Perception subtest to effectively assess Latinx populations. Method The framework serves to examine and evaluate the composition of the normative sample of the ACS-SP using eight key variables taken from the ECLECTIC framework, specifically education (e.g., literacy), acculturation levels (e.g., race, ethnicity), language (e.g., proficiency), economics (e.g., SES), communication styles, testing comfort, intelligence conceptualization, and context of immigration (Fujii, 2018). In addition, the model assesses the normative sample in reference to the intersectionality of identities (Cole, 2009; Wadsworth et al., 2016) across cultural and demographic variables that may influence the expression of emotion, and consequently, the interpretation of ACS-SP results. The model applies an Etic-Emic approach to address the question of cross-cultural validity of the ACS-SP (Cheung, van de Vijver & Leong, 2011). Finally, the model can be applied to examine the ACS-SP in relation to cultural intelligence (CQ), a more recently established construct defined as an individual’s ability to function effectively inter-culturally (Ang, Rockstuhl, & Tan, 2015). Discussion A large body of research has shown that the expression and measurement of social cognitive abilities are greatly influenced by cultural factors (Elfenbein & Ambady, 2002). For example, studies have shown that the expression of these abilities may be greatly influenced by cultural differences in display rules. Likewise, it is equally important to consider key cultural variables such as those related to socioeconomic status (SES), demographics, and identity in the neuropsychological assessment of social perception in Latinx populations. Therefore, the model conducts a cross-cultural analysis of the ACS-SP. References Ang, S., Rockstuhl, T., & Tan, M. L. (2015). Cultural intelligence and competencies. International Encyclopedia of Social and Behavioral Sciences, 2, 433-439. Cheung, F. M., Leung, K., Fan, R. M., Song, W. Z., Zhang, J. X., & Zhang, J. P. (1996). Development of the Chinese personality assessment inventory. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 27(2), 181-199. Cole, E. R. (2009). Intersectionality and research in psychology. American psychologist, 64(3), 170. Elfenbein, H. A., & Ambady, N. (2002). On the universality and cultural specificity of emotion recognition: a meta-analysis. Psychological Bulletin, 128(2), 203. Fujii, D. E. M. (2018) Developing a cultural context for conducting a neuropsychological evaluation with a culturally diverse client: The ECLECTIC framework. The Clinical Neuropsychologist, 32(8), 1356-1392, DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2018.1435826. Wadsworth, L. P., Morgan, L. P., Hayes-Skelton, S. A., Roemer, L., & Suyemoto, K. L. (2016). Ways to boost your research rigor through increasing your cultural competence (part 1 of 2). The Behavior Therapist.

Application of the ECLECTIC Framework on a Pediatric Case

Abstract Objective The ECLECTIC Framework (Fujii, 2018) provides seven components that are pertinent for understanding culturally diverse cases. Education and literacy, Culture and acculturation, Language, Economics, Communication, Testing situation, Intelligence conceptualization, and Context of immigration may impact neuropsychological test performance. Presented within this pediatric case study are examples of common difficulties encountered in conducting evaluations with ethnic and linguistic minorities, as well as considerations to increase equity and validity throughout the evaluation process. Case Description Maria is a 10-year-old, Spanish speaking female who moved from Cuba to the United States in November 2017. Maria relocated with her mother, who was pregnant at the time, and the family lives with Maria’s maternal great aunt. Per evaluations completed in Cuba, Maria has a history of intellectual disability, scoliosis, and untreated seizures. Although not documented, Maria’s mother reported that Maria has a prior diagnosis of “mild autism” made in Cuba. Maria receives special education services in the United States and previously received services in Cuba. Home language and academic instruction are in Spanish. Diagnostic Impressions and Outcomes Cognitive abilities are severely impaired and similar to those of a child between the ages of 2 and 4, with social skills showing more delay. Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, with accompanying intellectual (Intellectual Disability, Severe) and language impairments is confirmed. A family history of intellectual deficits due to a genetic condition was reported. Consultations with both Neurology and Genetics/Dysmorphology services are highly recommended to understand the etiology of Maria’s significant and globally diffused impairments. Discussion For pediatric cases, the ECLECTIC Framework requires the components to consider the child in the context of their family and the intersectionality between parent and child. References Fujii, D. E. (2018) Developing a cultural context for conducting a neuropsychological evaluation with a culturally diverse client: The ECLECTIC framework. The Clinical Neuropsychologist, 32(8), 1356-1392, DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2018.1435826.

Advancing Science Through Diversity and Inclusion in the Editorial Process: A Case Study

Abstract Objective In the U.S., women and culturally/linguistically diverse persons are underrepresented in research and editorial boards. This case study details how one journal, The Clinical Neuropsychologist (TCN), created and implemented a strategic plan to advance diversity and inclusion in its editorial board and process. Case Description In 2015, Dr. Yana Suchy became TCN’s first female Editor-in-Chief; and in 2016, she created the Culture and Gender in Neuropsychology Department (CGND). The CGND’s Editors are Drs. Rivera Mindt and Hilsabeck, and their mission is to diversify science and empirically-based practice within neuropsychology by (1) increasing representation of editors/reviewers from diverse backgrounds; (2) soliciting articles related to gender/culture; (3) providing resources addressing diversity issues; and (4) demonstrating editorial leadership via editorial content. Diagnostic Impressions and Outcomes In 2015, only 23% of TCN editors were women and only 2% were from diverse backgrounds. By 2018, representation of these groups increased to 50% and 13%, respectively. Also, in 2018 TCN published its first special issue on gender, numerous articles on culturally diverse populations, and the first guideline for evaluation of transgender persons. An upcoming special issue will focus on normative data for Spanish-speakers. Resources available include a Publication Guidelines Checklist, formal presentations, and informal communications (social media) to educate and engage stakeholders and consultors. These accomplishments were recently highlighted in the inaugural CGND editorial (2018). Discussion Over the last three years, TCN has taken steps to increase representation of gender- and culturally/linguistically-relevant content, editorial leadership, and professional development; thereby demonstrating that this is a tangible goal. This case study serves as a call to action for other journals to follow suit and further diversify science. References Rivera Mindt, M., Hilsabeck, R. C., Olsen, J. P., Savin, M. J., Crook, C. L., & Suchy, Y. Advancing science through diversity and inclusion in the editorial process: A case study. Science Editor, 41(3), 93-96. Rivera Mindt, M. & Hilsabeck, R. C. (2018) TCN culture and gender in Neuropsychology Department: inaugural editorial. The Clinical Neuropsychologist, 32(8), 1353-1355, DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2018.1525110. Hilsabeck, R. C. (2018) Editorial: Raising awareness about gender bias and disparity in clinical neuropsychology and a call to action. ClinNeuropsychol, 32,183–185. https://doi.org/10.1080/13854046.2018.1525110. Fujii, D. E. M. (2018) Developing a cultural context for conducting a neuropsychological evaluation with a culturally diverse client: The ECLECTIC framework. The Clinical Neuropsychologist, 32(8), 1356-1392, DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2018.1435826. Trittschuh, E. H., Parmenter, B. A., Clausell, E. R., Mariano, M. J. & Reger, M. A. (2018) Conducting neuropsychological assessment with transgender individuals. The Clinical Neuropsychologist, 32(8), 1393-1410, DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2018.1440632. Nielsen, T. R., Segers, K., Vanderaspoilden, V., Bekkhus-Wetterberg, P., Minthon, L., Pissiota, A., Bjørkløf, G. H., Beinhoff, U., Tsolaki, M., Gkioka, M., & Waldemar G. (2018) Performance of middle-aged and elderly European minority and majority populations on a Cross-Cultural Neuropsychological Test Battery (CNTB). The Clinical Neuropsychologist, 32(8), 1411-1430, DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2018.1430256. Suhr J. A., Ready R., Rosen W. G., Hilsabeck, R. C., & Ploetz, D. M. The changing face of neuropsychology: gender disparities and strategies for addressing them. CE workshop presented at the 37th annual conference of the National Academy of Neuropsychology, Boston, MA, 2017. Hilsabeck, R. C., Sweet J., Forrest B., Sachs B., & Kubu, C. Gender and the profession of neuropsychology: where we’ve been and where we need to go. CE workshop presented at the 15th Annual Conference of the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology, Boston, MA, 2017. Rivera Mindt, M. 2018. The Clinical Neuropsychologist: increasing diversity & inclusion. Council of Science Editors, TechnicaEditorial Services Webinar: The Peer Review Ecosystem: Where Does Diversity & Inclusion Fit In? [accessed 2018 Oct 9]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cixedlVR0o&feature=youtu.be.

IR in the Middle East: foreign policy analysis in theoretical approaches

Research on international relations of the Middle East (IRME) has suffered from a schism between International Relations (IR) theory and regional particularities. To address this, scholars have offered corrective accounts by adding domestic factors to IR structural approaches. Studies on IRME thus reflect the turn to decision-making and domestic politics that has recently occurred. This article develops a critical analysis of the domestic politics orientation in IRME. We argue that this scholarship ignores work in foreign policy analysis (FPA) with its psychological-oriented and agent-based dimensions and that this constitutes a missed opportunity for the study of the region. The article offers suggestions for incorporating FPA research into IRME and argues that an FPA perspective offers an alternative and complementary approach to the eclectic frameworks predominant in the scholarship on IRME.

Eclectic Application of Theoretical Models in Occupational Therapy: Impact on Therapeutic Reasoning

We investigated the impact of an eclectic framework for combining theoretical conceptual practice models on occupational therapists’ theoretical reasoning using concurrent mixed methods with repeated measures and grounded theory designs. Study participants (n = 9) attended two workshops to review select occupational therapy theoretical conceptual practice models and learn how to use the eclectic framework. We assessed skills in eclectic combination of theoretical conceptual practice models using the Theory Application Assessment Instrument. The skills improved significantly [χ2(2, 9) = 7.09, p = .02], a finding that was corroborated by the qualitative findings indicating that the eclectic framework may potentially help improve theoretical reasoning among occupational therapists.

The Shifting Frontiers of Literary Studies in the Twenty-first Century

Traditionally seen as a discipline that was immersed in published narratives, with poetry, drama, short fiction, and novels as the sole determinant corpus, Literary Studies in the twenty-first century has progressed across the latitudes of narrativity, as the notion of text itself has pushed past established boundaries of words on a published page. The page in the contemporary context can be taken to mean the written text, the visual text, the moving text, and the hypertext, to name just a few. The articles in this Forum Kritika present a glimpse into the shifting frontiers in Literary Studies as it presents varied facets of contemporary literary scholarship by literary scholars. The discussions take us across a number of planes. They integrate both print and multimodal texts, demonstrate eclectic frameworks of reading that cross disciplinary boundaries, reveal the utilization of analytical tools from the hard sciences, and also project the inculcation of innovative and entrepreneurial skills in the literary classroom. Yet, the Forum is also mindful that however far away we trek beyond established frontiers, we must still ensure our contact with the core of our discipline, that of traditional forms of the printed text. For, if we dismiss them from our view, we run the risk of inadvertently devaluing the worth of literary fiction and its attendant academic scholarship. As such, the Forum also incorporates articles that engage with contemporary theater and novels and their inherent validity in reflecting the socio-political concerns of our world, emphasizing that these will never lose their currency however much the arena changes.

The Mauritian Novel: Fictions of Belonging - Introduction

The introductory chapter provides an overview of the historical, political and socio-cultural factors that make belonging such a central but fraught issue in contemporary Mauritius and in its literature. It explores recent theories of ‘belonging’ from a range of disciplines, in order to demonstrate the usefulness of the term for an analysis of the diversity of the Mauritian situation. It offers an overview of recent Mauritian literature and of critical approaches, in order to show how my own approach offers a new perspective and fills gaps. It introduces the main corpus and the criteria for selection, as well as outlining the central research questions and the eclectic theoretical framework adopted in the close readings of ensuing chapters. Throughout, I show how the Mauritian context provides fruitful grounds for testing the assertion, by scholars such as Vertovec or Antonsich, that ‘contemporary societies [are] characterised by the co-presence of a plurality of forms of belonging.’

The Problem of Post 9/11 Representation in Sikandar: A Postcolonial Perspective

The issue of representation has always been a concern in postcolonial discourse. It is the result of colonialism. Earlier, it was the physical domination of the West and it ruled over their colonies in various parts of the world like the Caribbean, and South Asia. Currently, it is cultural and imperialistic domination by the same powers and of the same territories. The basic concern of these western powers is that the colonized cannot represent themselves since they are inferior, uncivilized, barbaric, and illiterate and so many other terms are used for their disposition and particularly after the catastrophic incident of 9/11. This paper investigates the issue of representation in Sikanadar, a novel by M Salahuddin Khan where he confronts, although in soft language, this European/Western stance, and stresses on the importance of mutual respect and dignity and love for humanity. This is a qualitative research where the researcher has used interpretation and textual analysis through the lens of postcolonialism. It has used an eclectic framework by combining both Edward Sarian and Bhabha concepts of colonialism.

Third-Party Logistics Providers in the Digital Age: Towards a New Competitive Arena?

This paper looks at the impact of digitalization on third-party logistics (3PL) business models. An eclectic framework for the analysis of digital disruptions in service industries is elaborated by linking Porter’s five forces to insights from research on digitalization and innovation. Applying this framework to the business field of 3PL reveals that logistics service providers face significant digital hardship from new technologies such as autonomous vehicles and 3D printing as well as from platform-based business models and the sharing economy. We see the following changes in the competitive arena: First, 3PLs focusing on standard services may lose significant market share in the near future. Second, management-related 3PL activities seem to be increasingly offered by new external competitors, which may downgrade 3PLs to simple forwarders. Third, digitalization enables the forward or backward integration of 3PL customers and suppliers when they establish their own services. In addition to its threats, the opportunities of digitalization for 3PLs are discussed. These include the customization of standardized logistics services, the provision of cloud logistics services, platform-based asset and logistics infrastructure sharing, the “physical internet” as a future transportation system and the adoption and integration of 3D printing into existing 3PL business models.

Analyzing the Determinants of Entrepreneurial Activity Level in Urban Micro Enterprises in Sri Lanka

Micro entrepreneurship’s potential as a main source of inclusive growth in developing countries is well acknowledged and therefore it emerges as a key agenda item for economic policy makers. The success of the enterprises is not only dependent on the entrepreneur’s ability but also on the other factors. Therefore, investigating the determinants of entrepreneurship activity level such as socio-demographic, economic, cultural environment and personality characteristics of the people are essential ingredients for formulating suitable policies for enterprise development. Hence the main objective of this study is to investigate the determinants of urban micro entrepreneurship activity level in Sri Lanka. Data were drawn from a sample of 300 micro entrepreneurs chosen under stratified random sampling method. The determinants of probability of being in different categories of informal micro entrepreneurs within the entrepreneurial process were examined on the conceptual basis of Eclectic framework decomposing the entrepreneurial process into three phases: nascent, young and old business owners utilizing multinomial logistic model. It was found that education is positively significant for all three levels of entrepreneurship and it is the most prominent which increasingly effects on the odds of being nascent entrepreneur. Young entrepreneur is more significantly negatively affected by administrative related issues and complexities, lack of financial support; internal locus of control rather than nascent entrepreneurs while availability of necessary infrastructure seems to encourage an active involvement in entrepreneurial activity at the nascent phase more significantly. This study suggests multipronged approach to assist micro entrepreneurs specifically providing easy access to credit, intensive follow-up trainings to overcome the issues related to knowledge, skills and attitudes, minimize disturbing factors like administrative issues (licenses, approvals, infrastructure providence etc.), and poverty reliefs to improve effective dynamic entrepreneurship and lessen hurdles on entrepreneurial activity and thereby economic growth.

Diaspora International Entrepreneurship: Evidence From the Indian IT Industry

This paper examines the role of the diaspora as a driver of international entrepreneurship in the home country context, from the perspective of the Indian IT industry. It identifies diaspora links as sources of knowledge, learning and reputation, that drives domestic firms on the path of accelerated internationalisation. It uses inductive methodology to develop an eclectic framework using insights from diverse streams of international business, entrepreneurship and the literature on diaspora. It focuses on the discovery, evaluation and exploitation of entrepreneurial opportunities in the context of the Indian IT sector with lessons that can be replicated elsewhere.

Capitalist Development in India’s Informal Economy

Reference EPFL-REVIEW-212008doi:10.1057/ejdr.2015.20View record in Web of Science Record created on 2015-09-28, modified on 2016-08-09

Análisis del componente cultural en libros de texto de francés destinados al tercer ciclo de Educación Primaria

En la didáctica de lenguas extranjeras, el componente cultural se establece como un elemento de suma importancia para el desarrollo de la competencia comunicativa del alumnado. Por este motivo, la adquisición de la lengua francesa debe desarrollarse en un marco ecléctico que<br />favorezca la integración de contenidos tanto lingüísticos como culturales, siendo necesaria la inclusión del componente cultural en los materiales curriculares. Desde niveles iniciales, la dimensión cultural, que subyace a todo acto comunicativo, debe estar presente en la enseñanza<br />de lenguas, razón por la que hemos emprendido el análisis de los contenidos culturales presentes en los libros de lengua francesa empleados en el tercer ciclo de la Educación Primaria, para determinar si su tratamiento didáctico es óptimo y si se ajusta a las orientaciones de los enfoques metodológicos predominantes en la didáctica de las lenguas extranjeras.

Analytic Eclecticism and EU Foreign Policy (In)action

Twelve years after the European Union (EU) began to deploy crisis management operations, the underlying drivers are still disputed. This state of theory is partly due to the staleness of many theoretical debates in international relations (IR). In response, a number of scholars have recently called for analytic eclecticism. This paper sets out to provide an eclectic framework for the purpose of analysing EU foreign policy action. It argues that the interventions the EU has undertaken in the framework of its Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) can best be explained by a two-stage model. Firstly, any potential EU action is assessed by EU governments against their general security policy dispositions, which are a function of both national and partisan preferences and belief systems. Secondly, against these broader dispositions, the positions of individual EU governments regarding CSDP actions are shaped by far more parochial assessments of the costs and benefits of these actions. The paper presents a conceptual framework and a plausibility probe of the two-stage model. In the conclusion we suggest a research agenda for analysing this interaction between governmental dispositions and more narrow governmental interests, and how they inform decisions on CSDP operations.

The everyday life of sexual politics: A feminist critical discourse analysis of herbalist pamphlets in Johannesburg

This article investigates a corpus of herbalist pamphlets – fairly common, everyday texts found in (South) African cities – which promote the services of traditional healers and promise solutions to a plethora of ailments and life problems. The article's multi-pronged approach brings feminist critical discourse analysis (FCDA), corpus linguistics (CS) and multimodal critical discourse studies (MCDS) into dialogue with each other. Encompassing both quantitative and qualitative components, this eclectic framework illustrates the ways in which dominant gendered discourses reproduce a patriarchal and heteronormative order by positioning men and women differently. This dominant form of gendered representation, however, co-exists with more resistant discourses which positively thematise same-sex desire. Essentially, the article demonstrates that herbalist pamphlets are key sites of ‘entanglement’ (Nuttall 2009) where complex identity nexuses of gender, sexuality, race, age and culture intersect and compete with each other within the larger regime of representation in South Africa.

Innovations in marketing of higher education: Foreign market entry mode of not-for-profit universities

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to examine the innovations in the international activities of not-for-profit (NFP) universities. While the entry mode literature is well addressed, particularly by international marketing and business scholars, an academically interesting and managerially relevant question relates to the applicability of extant research to the emerging phenomenon of internationalization in the NFP sector. Design/methodology/approach – Using an inductive constructivist qualitative methodology grounded in 12 case studies of internationalization in the NFP education sector, this study applies Dunning’s eclectic framework as its theoretical anchor. Findings – This study identified that entry mode choice in the NFP context may not always be reconciled with extant literature derived mostly from a for-profit context. In particular, the broader definition of offshore equity investment is in sharp contrast to previous entry mode research which is largely, if not exclusively, grounded in a for-profit context. Originality/value – Extant frameworks developed to explain the entry mode phenomena tend to assume a profit maximization philosophy. The propositions advocated in this study are a step further to develop our understanding of internationalization of NFP universities.

Development Goals and the Leadership Question in Nigeria

Many questions have followed President Jonathan s request for prayers on Nigeria s myriad of problems, since the eve of the country s 52nd independence celebration when the request was made. The president wishes that through Gods intervention Nigeria’s legion of deep rooted and endemic problems like the age long ethno-religious and sectarian clashes, corruption as well as corruptive tendencies will end; particularly as the country prepares for the 2014 centenary anniversary of its formation by Britain. This paper argues that rather than focus on the spiritual (prayers and requests from God), which seem to have been answered long before asking; in view of the favourable climatic conditions and abundant natural endowments, greater emphasis should be placed on the need for effective leadership in the country s public sector. Therefore, for the huge deficits in infrastructure, education, health care and governance in general, the paper attempts to address the leadership question in Nigeria. Its main focus is political and bureaucratic leadership and its effects on the dismal performance of successive administrations in the country’s relatively recent history. The research methodology is both descriptive and analytical. It adopts an eclectic framework of analysis, which combines past and relatively recent explanations on the colonial origin of the Nigerian state and its effects on politics and public policy processes in general. Finally, it draws examples of best practices, in respect of transformational or effective leadership and development-oriented programmes, from across the world to support its suggestions for Nigeria.

Economics behind the internationalization of Biocon India Ltd

Subject area Economics, business management Study level/applicability The case study is relevant for MBA, Master's and under graduate (economics, international and business economics) students. Case overview Biocon is one of the top 20 companies from India in the Forbes list of “Best under a Billion” companies. It has emerged from being an enzyme-producing firm to a biotech powerhouse under the guidance of Ms Kiran M. Shaw. It is an innovative company with a varied scientific skill base and progressive manufacturing facilities for developing and commercializing biopharmaceuticals. This study attempts to explore the international foray of Biocon using the eclectic OLI framework. Entrepreneurship, need for integrated business model, innovation, quality control, etc. constituted the ownership (O) factors, important for Biocon to earn the more than compensating advantage in the overseas market. The locational factors were less important in case of Biocon as the global expansion was driven by a motive of either market seeking or cashing in on the cost advantage of its operations. The dominant mode of entry has been the joint ventures. The overseas patterns exhibited by Biocon can be captured fully by the O-L-I framework. Expected learning outcomes To understand the economic theory of OLI and the ownership, locational and internalisation advantages, link the OLI framework with the international foray of Biocon, Biocon's internationalization journey, major overseas deals signed and the economic rationale behind the deals. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or e-mail support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

‘Dirty Work?’ Gender, Race and the Union in Industrial Cleaning

The study uses an eclectic framework and through an intersectional analysis and use of narratives explores the meaning of janitorial work, the gender division of labour (GDL), the unions and organizing for janitors engaged in industrial cleaning for a big cleaning company, Pluto, in Toronto. Pluto was organized by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) in 2006. The study is based on the organizing drive for Pluto and uses participant observation and interview methods. Intersectional analysis is useful in understanding the worker's perceptions of the racialized, gendered and classed constitution of cleaning work as ‘dirty’ and their resistance to these constructs. We explore GDL in industrial cleaning and the construction of women's work as ‘light duty’ and men's work as ‘heavy duty’. We conclude that union membership is important not only for material benefits of the janitors but also for their alternative identity construction. However, there is a persistence of GDL and gender pay equity is not addressed seriously in the organizing drive or upon organizing.