A history of women workers in English libraries, 1871-1974
Year: 1999
Type: dissertation
Abstract: This thesis proposes that library work, like other occupations, is a cultural\npractice: that is, it is an activity pursued within contemporary social conventions and\npower relations. It also proposes that a useful way of exploring the women-dominated\ncultural practice of library work is through a consideration of gender and of further\ninterconnecting factors. There are two aims: to outline the positioning of women\nworkers in English libraries between 1871-1974; and, to consider the impacts of that\npositioning on men and women workers in the sector.\nThe theoretical framework is indebted to work by feminist, library and poststructuralist\nhistorians and labour market theorists. These theoretical approaches have\nbeen used as a resource to inform an historical account of a labour market sector. This\nthesis demonstrates the extent of women's participation in English libraries between\n1871-1974 and explores attempts to constrain that participation. It identifies when\nthose constraints were challenged or complied with and the function of that constraint\nor compliance. The impact of such developments on men workers in the sector is also\ndiscussed. Understandings of femininity and masculinity are critical in an exploration\nof gender in the labour market and this thesis explores how accepted constructions\nwere variously used to prohibit, discourage or privilege access to parts of the library\nlabour market. In doing so, it discusses how understandings of femininity were\nquestioned in these processes. Thus, this thesis illustrates ways in which paid work in\nlibraries was a site for the establishment, consolidation and negotiation of gendered\ndiscourses of employment.
Author: Evelyn Kerslake
Language: English
Subfield: Industrial relations
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2309293569