Women Workers Research Articles

Trapped in Flexibility: How Does Precarious Work Affect Gender Wage Gap in China?

Rapid expansion of precarious employment carries risks of exacerbating the gender wage gap in China. This article finds an inverse relationship between flexibility and security in the labor market, disproportionately affecting women workers. Drawing from the Marxist-feminist theory of social reproduction, the study conceptualizes China’s social reproduction regime as developmentalist, characterized by ongoing tension between economic development and social reproduction. Promoting precarious work, which reflects the operational logic of the developmentalist social reproduction regime, is essentially transferring social reproduction cost from capital to labor. This cost is predominantly shouldered by precarious workers, particularly women, resulting in a widened gender wage gap. Using the China Labor-force Dynamic Survey, the study finds empirical support for the theorization that the gender wage gap among precarious workers is significantly larger than among non-precarious workers. The article proposes policies addressing the gap by shifting the cost of social reproduction from labor back to capital. HIGHLIGHTS Gender wage gap is wider among precarious workers in China. Marxist-feminist theories help us to better understand GWG in precarious work. Women in precarious work face income loss risks and heavier domestic responsibilities. Developmentalist social reproduction regime seeks to balance growth and reproduction. The cost of social reproduction should be shifted back to capital.

Spinnen Out: Women's Work in Early Modern Textile Trades

The production of cloth was a vital aspect of the early modern economy. Women were involved in almost all stages of the process, both in unofficial capacities and sometimes as officially recognized or tolerated artisans. However, associations between women and unskilled labor and guild fear of economic competition led to both legal restrictions and social stigma around women’s involvement in artisan textile work. This pushed more women into low-paying piecework, especially spinning. Spinning was the form of textile work women were most encouraged to do, or least restricted from. As one of the most common types of womens’ labor, it carried both positive connotations of diligence and the social stigmas that followed women as workers, such as anxieties around poverty, sexual immorality, and threats to the stability of male guilds. This essay investigates social attitudes towards women’s textile work, followed by a creative component which examines the spinning process directly.

Learning to (not quite) buy nothing: Digital gift economies and household innovations reducing consumption

The daunting task of swiftly transitioning to sustainable modes of living presents a formidable challenge, particularly at individual and household levels, where entrenched consumption and disposal systems exhibit strong path dependency. This research investigates how individuals and households can contribute to sustainability transitions through grassroots innovations. Specifically, we ask: How do digital gift economies facilitate changes in household consumption practices and contribute to broader sustainability transitions? To address this question, we present an instructional case study of the Buy Nothing Project (BNP), a globally scaled yet locally focused digital gift economy, as a grassroots innovation enabling citizen agency within domestic spaces. BNP is a socio-technical network of hyperlocal, digital gift-giving groups that advocate for community reliance and generosity to reduce household consumption and waste and build neighbourhood bonds. Our analysis reveals that BNP's most revolutionary aspect lies in the embedded everyday sustainability practices it facilitates, particularly the social learning to reduce consumption at individual, household, and community levels through group participation and ongoing membership. We argue that this grassroots innovation enables citizen agency within domestic spaces, contributing significantly to sustainability transitions. Paradoxically, the ordinariness of these practices, combined with the gendered composition of members and that acquiring and disposing of household goods is usually considered “women's work”, may hinder recognition of BNP's potential as a powerful catalyst for sustainable transitions. This study contributes to our understanding of how digital platforms can support household-level innovations in sustainability practices and highlights the importance of recognising and valuing diverse forms of contribution to sustainability transitions.

Muslim women's work

Islam's view of women and their rights is a multifaceted view. Islam’s view of women includes all their aspects and roles, therefore respecting their rights in society as human beings also as a mother, a sister and as a daughter. For each of these women’s status (human being, mother, sister, girl), Islam assigned the rights and fair duties to them and saved them from the oppression of ignorance that has been done to them. Islam also has raised their status and given them the right to participate in building society and improving their levels and abilities. The ruling on women working outside the home is one of the issues that is debated in Islamic centres, Jurisprudence and religious centres have conducted detailed research in this area. If we look at human society today, we see that many women have proved their skills in their work and expertise. They have an active partnership in the development of societies in all areas, even some of those areas that cannot be done without women and without women's participation are close to disability and immobility. At the same time, the work of women in societies has created some problems for society, and women themselves have increased their obligations because of their work and has caused some social problems, including increased crisis and delay in marriage as well as some crimes and other problems. This research aims to discuss the ruling on women working outside the home and determine the conditions and guidelines of this issue and the appropriate places that exist for women to work and the impact of women's work in the economic development of countries and societies. It raises all these from the perspective of Islamic jurisprudence.

SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONDITIONS AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH CHALLENGES OF WOMEN CONSTRUCTION WORKERS: A CASE STUDY IN MADURAI DISTRICT, TAMIL NADU

The construction sector plays an important role in the livelihoods of rural poor populations, contributing significantly to their economic sustenance. This study focuses on the status and significance of women construction workers in the Madurai district of Tamil Nadu. More than 3 lakh construction workers are employed in Tamil Nadu facing various challenges on a daily basis. Women in this sector encounter numerous issues including socio-economic hardships, environmental risks and health problems at the worksite. The present study investigates the socio-economic conditions and occupational health problems faced by women in Madurai’s construction industry. The construction sector a key employer in developing countries like India predominantly hires unskilled and semi-skilled labour. Women workers in construction industry endure long working hours, wage discrimination and adverse working conditions often with limited access to social security or healthcare. Data collected from 60 respondents through purposive sampling reveals that most of the women workers are between 30 and 50 years old and have only a primary level of education. Despite their significant contributions these women face a multitude of challenges such as health issues like neck and shoulder pain, anaemia and asthma with minimal awareness of medical insurance. The study highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions aimed at improving economic security, health awareness, and working conditions for women in the construction sector. KEYWORDS: construction women workers, marginalized, health problems, wage discrimination, livelihood.

Exploring Interpersonal Dynamics in Wellness Tourism: A Reexamination of Intentions Through a Case Study of Generation X Citizens In Thailand

Objectives: This study explores the key factors influencing women’s leadership performance in crisis situations, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. It aims to identify the most dominant factors affecting women's leadership in regional governments in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Theoretical Framework: The research builds on theories of leadership and gender, incorporating concepts from human resource management and performance analysis. Women's leadership is viewed through the lens of gendered leadership styles, organizational behavior, and crisis management. Method: A mixed-method approach was used, combining quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitative data was collected through surveys distributed to 147 women in leadership positions across three regional governments, followed by qualitative interviews with key informants. Data was analyzed using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) to identify dominant leadership factors. Results and Discussion: The findings revealed 12 key factors influencing women's leadership performance, including motivation, organizational infrastructure, work atmosphere, problem-solving abilities, and interpersonal relationships. The study highlights the importance of collaborative leadership, communication, and fairness in performance evaluations. Women leaders were found to emphasize nurturing and interpersonal relationships more than male leaders, reflecting gender-based leadership styles. Research Implications: The study contributes to understanding gender-specific leadership during crises, emphasizing the need for supportive organizational structures and inclusive policies. The findings also suggest that women's leadership, with its focus on collaboration and care, plays a significant role in effectively managing crises. Originality/Value: This research provides a novel contribution by focusing on women leaders in sub-national units during a global crisis, highlighting the distinct leadership strategies employed by women. It adds value by identifying factors that enhance women's leadership performance in crisis management, which has been underexplored in previous research.

A program evaluation of the new choices workforce development program: An appreciative inquiry approach

A significant amount of money ($1.76B annually in the United States) is spent on workforce development programs, while there is limited research on the effectiveness of workforce development programs in meeting their program objectives and assisting program participants in attaining employment. This study evaluated the New Choices Program, a workforce development program offered by PA Women Work, to help its clients obtain employment and overcome personal and professional barriers. The program has historically been offered in a 30-hour in person format but was forced to be modified to a 10-hour virtual program when the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions began. This program evaluation included a comparative analysis of the perceptions of participants in the 30-hour in person program and the 10-hour virtual program. It was found that participants in both the 30-hour in person program and 10-hour virtual program perceived the program positively, experienced an increase in self-confidence and belonging, which led to either obtaining employment or being better prepared for the job search process. The data will help inform the New Choices program stakeholders on programmatic improvements and how best to structure the program in the post-pandemic employment world.

Hysterectomy across Different Occupational Groups of Women in India: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract Aims and Objective: The paper aims to examine the prevalence of hysterectomy amongst 451,853 women aged 25–49 years by different occupation groups in India and seek to identify associated factors. It is a cross-sectional study using bivariate and multivariate analyses. Materials and Methods: Data available in the public domain from the fourth round of the National Family Health Survey, conducted pan-India including both rural and urban areas during 2015–2016 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, are used. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed to investigate hysterectomy prevalence across various states and union territories and other independent variables in India. Further, two binary logistic regression models were run to examine the determinants of hysterectomy where the dependent variable had undergone hysterectomy and not undergone hysterectomy. Results: The result revealed that about five in every 100 Indian women had undergone hysterectomy. Excessive menstrual bleeding was the most common underlying condition for undergoing hysterectomy amongst all occupation groups. The prevalence was found to be the highest amongst agricultural women workers who are 32% (odds ratio = 1.320; confidence interval: 1.209–1.440) significantly more likely to undergo hysterectomy compared to other occupation groups. Conclusion: These results raise questions about poor access to quality healthcare services particularly for sexual and reproductive health amongst women working in the agricultural sector.

Women Fighting the Crisis: Antecedents of Women's Leadership Performance in Facing the Covid-19 Pandemic

Objectives: This study explores the key factors influencing women’s leadership performance in crisis situations, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. It aims to identify the most dominant factors affecting women's leadership in regional governments in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Theoretical Framework: The research builds on theories of leadership and gender, incorporating concepts from human resource management and performance analysis. Women's leadership is viewed through the lens of gendered leadership styles, organizational behavior, and crisis management. Method: A mixed-method approach was used, combining quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitative data was collected through surveys distributed to 147 women in leadership positions across three regional governments, followed by qualitative interviews with key informants. Data was analyzed using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) to identify dominant leadership factors. Results and Discussion: The findings revealed 12 key factors influencing women's leadership performance, including motivation, organizational infrastructure, work atmosphere, problem-solving abilities, and interpersonal relationships. The study highlights the importance of collaborative leadership, communication, and fairness in performance evaluations. Women leaders were found to emphasize nurturing and interpersonal relationships more than male leaders, reflecting gender-based leadership styles. Research Implications: The study contributes to understanding gender-specific leadership during crises, emphasizing the need for supportive organizational structures and inclusive policies. The findings also suggest that women's leadership, with its focus on collaboration and care, plays a significant role in effectively managing crises. Originality/Value: This research provides a novel contribution by focusing on women leaders in sub-national units during a global crisis, highlighting the distinct leadership strategies employed by women. It adds value by identifying factors that enhance women's leadership performance in crisis management, which has been underexplored in previous research.

Online Sex Work of Women on OnlyFans: Oppression or Empowerment?

Online Sex Work of Women on OnlyFans: Oppression or Empowerment?

Imaginaries of Domesticity and Women's Work in Germany around 1800 by Karin Wurst (review)

Imaginaries of Domesticity and Women's Work in Germany around 1800 by Karin Wurst (review)

Accuracy of self-perceived cardiovascular disease risk and factors predicting risk underestimation in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women in Ismailia, Egypt.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death globally, with women at higher risk after menopause. This increased risk is attributed to both aging and hormonal changes. Prior research has established a link between CVD risk perception and adopting healthy behaviors to prevent CVD. This study aimed to assess the accuracy of self-perceived CVD risk in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women, and to identify factors that predict CVD risk underestimation among them. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the administrative sectors of Suez Canal University campus in Ismailia, Egypt, over a period of eight months starting in July 2022. A total of 390 eligible women (employees and workers) were randomly selected. Participants were interviewed to obtain data on demographics, medical history, self-perceived risk of CVD, self-perceived general health, awareness of factors that increase the risk of developing CVD, perceived stress, health literacy, numeracy, and self-perceived 10-year risk of developing major cardiovascular events. They also underwent measurements of blood pressure, weight, and height. The updated 2019 WHO/CVD risk non-laboratory-based prediction chart for the North Africa and Middle East Region was used to predict the 10-year risk of major cardiovascular events for the study participants. Risk accuracy was measured by comparing self-perceived CVD risk with predicted CVD risk. The ratio of self-perceived to predicted moderate/high CVD risk was 27.7% to 44.3%, respectively. The accuracy of CVD risk perception was 68.2%. Kappa analysis results showed fair and significant agreement between self-perceived and predicted CVD risk (kappa ± SE = 35.9 ± 4.1%, p < 0 .001). The proportion of women who underestimated their risks was 24.1%. Of those in the high-risk group, 93.3% underestimated their CVD risk, compared to 50.6% in the moderate-risk group. Factors that significantly predicted CVD risk underestimation included being married (aOR 14.5; 95% CI 1.4-149.9), low income (aOR 2.321; 95% CI 1.09-4.909), high BMI (aOR 4.78; 95% CI 1.9-11.9), hypertension (aOR 3.5; 95% CI 2-6.2), and old age (aOR 1.46; 95% CI 1.3-1.6). Approximately one-third of our study participants misperceived their CVD risk; of those who did, 75.8% underestimated it. Marital status, old age, low income, high BMI, and hypertension strongly predicted CVD risk underestimation. These findings identified the menopausal women subgroups that could benefit from targeted health interventions designed to reduce CVD risk underestimation and improve risk accuracy.

유자녀 여성 이주민의 ‘괜찮은 일’에 대한 합의적 질적 연구

The study explored the characteristics of “good work” as perceived by migrant women with young children, and the challenges and resources in their work experiences. In-depth interviews were conducted with 18 migrant women with at least three years of work experience, and the interviews were analyzed using consensual qualitative research methods. The domains and categories that emerged from the analysis were reviewed by two external experts and revised, resulting in five domains and 23 categories. The results of the study revealed seven categories of decent work conditions perceived by migrant women: a work schedule that allows them to combine work and childcare, reasonable compensation, job security, welfare, an emotionally safe environment, moderate work intensity, and work that matches their level of Korean. In terms of migrant women's work experience, four domains and 16 categories were identified: the challenges of intersectionality of minority identities, psychological adaptive resources in work experience, social resources in work experience, and growth through working. The challenges of intersectionality of minority identities domain included language differences, work-family conflict, marginalization due to labeling as a migrant women, acculturation stress within the family, inaccessible institutional resources, and economic constraints. Psychological adaptive resources in the work experience domain included career adaptability, motivation, emotional regulation, and acculturation efforts. The social resources of the work experience domain included support from family and friends, support at work, support from organizations, and support from public policy. Finally, the categories of finding a better job and belonging were identified in the growth through the working domain. These findings are expected to contribute to the empirical understanding of decent work among migrant women and provide a basis for policy proposals to promote decent work.

RETURNING TO THE PUBLICATION OF DOCTOR OF JURIDICAL SCIENCES, PROFESSOR M.A. SARSEMBAYEV «THE NEED TO IMPROVE STANDARDS OF ILO CONVENTIONS AND THE KAZAKHSTAN LABOR LAW»

This article analyzes the article by Professor M.A. Sarsembayev on the topic «The need to improve standards of ILO conventions and the Kazakhstan labor law», which was published in the Bulletin of the Institute of Legislation and Legal Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan No. 2 (47) in 2017. In the article Professor M.A. Sarsembayev focuses on the International Labor Organization (ILO) conventions, including the e Convention on Equal treatment and equal opportunities for men and women workers: workers with family responsibilities, adopted in Geneva on the 67-th session of the ILO General Conference on 23 June 1981, the Convention on the Protection of Wages, adopted in Geneva on 32-th session of the General conference of the ILO 1 July 1949, and the ILO Convention on the Minimum Wage Fixing Machinery by 16 June 1928, which are ratified by the Republic of Kazakhstan, with the aim of improving the norms of national labor legislation. The author also identifies shortcomings in these conventions and provides recommendations (translations, new formulations, additional articles, and terms) for their improvement, emphasizing that Kazakhstan, as a party to these conventions, can make proposals for their enhancement through the ILO’s Bureau of Labor Administration. The article also addresses the issue of accession to conventions such as the Convention on Minimum Standards of Social Security (No. 102), the Convention on the Right to Organize and Collective Bargaining in Agriculture (No. 11), the Convention on Compensation for Workmen in Agriculture (No. 12), and the Convention on Medical Care and Sickness Benefits for Workmen in Agriculture (No. 25), considering their significance for the national legal system of Kazakhstan.

Concurrent Particulate Matter and Heat Exposure in Working and Non-Working Women in Rural Guatemala

High temperatures and air pollution exposure are individually known risks to human health, with amplifying adverse health effects during periods of co-exposure. This study compared co-occurring individual-level exposures to particulate matter (PM5, aerodynamic diameter of ≤5 μm) and heat among women in residential and agricultural settings in Guatemala. We measured personal and ambient exposure to PM5, temperature, and humidity among 21 female sugarcane workers in the fields and on their off days. We measured similar exposures among a group of 30 community members not involved in sugarcane work. We collected 171 personal PM5 measurements across 18 sampling days. The median workday personal PM5 concentration was 271 µg/m3, which was 3.6-fold higher than ambient area levels in the fields. The median personal PM5 concentration was 95.8 µg/m3 for off-work days and 83.5 µg/m3 for community days. The average workday individual-level temperature and humidity were 39.4 °C and 82.4%, respectively, with significantly lower temperatures on off-work and community days. The women workers and community members were exposed to high levels of PM5 and heat in both occupational and residential settings. Research needs to consider individual-level exposures at both work and home to help tailor more effective comprehensive prevention efforts to reduce risks.

Ergonomic Studies on Occupational Health of Women Workers Involved in Agricultural Industries: A Systematic Review

This study undertakes a systematic review focusing on occupational health hazards and related issues experienced by women in the agriculture sector. Women engage in diverse and demanding farm operations, involving substantial energy expenditure, prolonged hours, and awkward postures, contributing to both drudgery and occupational health risks. Understanding the root causes of these conditions and establishing effective measurement methods is crucial. Moreover, identifying strategies to mitigate these hazards is imperative. A comprehensive literature review on women in agriculture illuminates various health concerns, their origins, analytical approaches, and potential enhancements to working conditions. To conduct a systematic review, the study adhered to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) method, incorporating 79 relevant articles from Scopus and PubMed, following strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, published between 1989 and 2022. The findings revealed a concerning trend wherein female workers increasingly assume precarious, underpaid, and labour-intensive roles within the agricultural sector. Occupational health risks are heightened due to factors such as heat exposure, pesticide use, injuries, incontinence, awkward postures, and activities prone to drudgery. Ergonomically designed technology is pivotal in alleviating women’s occupational challenges, although this area remains relatively underexplored. To address these occupational hazards and health concerns effectively, there is a need for governmental intervention. Establishing a dedicated task force or committee is recommended. Furthermore, a multi-stakeholder network comprising government bodies, non-profit organizations, and civil society groups is proposed to enhance the well-being of women working in agriculture collaboratively. This study is the first of its kind that effectively highlights the multidimensional health issues women workers face, shedding light on their working conditions in the agriculture industry.

Indonesian Migrant Women Workers in Türkiye and Media Representation at Home: Precarity Works and Mediating the State Protection

This qualitative study examines the portrayal of Indonesian migrant women workers in Türkiye by major Indonesian online media outlets from 2019 to 2023. Using content analysis, the research explores dominant media representations surrounding workers in Türkiye's care service and tourism sectors. Findings reveal patterns of precarious work, exploitation, and vulnerability to undocumented employment, particularly involving Syrian employers. The study highlights a significant shift in media coverage from sensationalist reporting to echoing government narratives on combating undocumented migration. This shift aligns with Indonesia's labour-export policy reforms under President Jokowi, which aim to promote labour migration to formal sectors and distance the country's image from domestic worker exports. The research demonstrates how media reflects and reinforces state migrant protection policies through "domesticated protection." However, this approach inadvertently perpetuates victimization and potentially exacerbates vulnerabilities by stigmatizing unofficial migration channels. While intended to safeguard workers, stringent regulations may if not already contribute to increased undocumented migration. By analyzing the nexus between media representation, state policies, and migrant precarities, this study contributes to understanding the complex dynamics of labour migration in an emerging corridor, calling for a more nuanced approach to media coverage, policy-making, and future studies that acknowledges both migrant agency and structural challenges.

Praxis of compliance: feminist solidarity for women tech workers in India during Covid-19

ABSTRACT Feminist activism persisted even in the isolating times of the COVID-19 pandemic. But how did the crisis shape feminist solidarity, especially for subjects facing multiple marginalities? In this article, based on in-depth interviews and participant observation, I examine how women tech workers in India – as gendered labour in the Global South – participated in various online groups to overcome their isolation. These women ostensibly acted as compliant neoliberal and heteronormative subjects, but their compliance paved the way for feminist solidarity. I theorize this paradox as the ‘praxis of compliance.’ As a theoretical framework, ‘praxis of compliance’ foregrounds the structural barriers to women workers’ participation in collective feminist activism. It also reveals some alternative strategies of building feminist solidarity within the constraints of the neoliberal economy as well as local and global crises that deepen inequality. I identify three potential areas of praxis of compliance for women tech workers in India: professional, personal and labour activism.

What influences women’s participation in the private sector workforce in Oman?

PurposeWomen’s employment has been a contentious issue in the Arab world. However, in today’s changing work conditions, workplaces, and the growth in education, women have increasingly occupied higher-level roles, and their presence in diverse industries has expanded. The study takes a holistic approach to female labor force participation (FLFP) in Oman, encompassing various theories and factors influencing women’s engagement in private sector jobs.Design/methodology/approachThe research employed an exploratory design followed by a qualitative analysis based on a constructivist grounded theory approach. The study involved 170 semi-structured face-to-face interviews with women workers in Oman’s private sector. It explored work–family conflict (WFC), work–life balance (WLB), organizational and family support, and societal bias impacting female labor force participation.FindingsThe low FLFP in Oman’s private sector is a complex issue shaped by various interconnected challenges. Our qualitative analysis synthesizes a conceptual framework that highlights WFC and WLB as pivotal factors behind low FLFP, as women in the private sector face long work hours, low salaries, and high responsibilities. Our study confirms that these women receive substantial familial support in dealing with WFC but lack organizational support and family-friendly policies (FFPs).Practical implicationsAddressing the low participation of women in Oman’s private sector labor force necessitates comprehensive strategies encompassing legislative measures, cultural shifts, and organizational reforms. Implementing these strategies creates an environment where women feel empowered to participate and actively thrive in the private sector workforce.Social implicationsThis study indicates the presence of some serious social issues, such as society’s bias, lack of support for working women, and the gender gap in the private sector workforce, which has broad implications and significance for Oman. The study indicates the positive role of support women receive from their families, organizations, and Oman labor law and what could improve their participation further.Originality/valueThis study addresses the limited research on challenges encountered by women in Oman’s private-sector workforce. Our research addresses this gap by answering key questions, collecting and interpreting data, and developing a comprehensive conceptual framework. This framework aims to elucidate the factors contributing to women’s reluctance to pursue private-sector employment, considering the diverse issues they confront.

Who Cares? Women entrepreneurs and the transition to the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement in Nova Scotia

The Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreements signed in 2021/2022 represent an unprecedented investment into child care across Canada, supporting the expansion of care spaces, reductions in parent fees, and increased wages for care workers. In the province of Nova Scotia, however, the new funding model faced considerable pushback from women entrepreneurs in the care field, who felt overlooked and bullied by the provincial government amidst the policy rollout. This paper evaluates the experiences of child care owners in Nova Scotia during the transition to the new funding agreement through a series of interviews with entrepreneurs. The paper posits that the consultation and communications between the province and care owners reified gendered power relations, particularly through the devaluation and exploitation of women's care work. Interviewees report feeling treated as “glorified babysitters” and experiencing significant mental health strains as a result of the policy negotiation with the province.