Book Description

This work of reference represents a remarkably complete, detailedand extensive review of the field of gender, work and organizationin the second decade of the 21st century. Its authorsrepresent eight countries and many disciplines includingmanagement, sociology, political science, and gender studies. Thechapters, by top scholars in their areas of expertise, offer bothreviews and empirical findings, and insights and challenges forfurther work. The chapters are organized in five sections:Histories and Philosophies; Organizing Work and the GenderedOrganization; Embodiment; Globalization; and Diversity. Theoretical and conceptual developments at the cutting edge ofthe field are explicated and illustrated by the handbook’sauthors. Methods for conducting research into gender, work andorganization are reviewed and assessed as well as illustrated inthe work of several chapters. Efforts to produce greater gender equality in the workplaceare covered in nearly every chapter, in terms of past successes andfailures. Military organizations are presented as one of thedifficult to change in regards to gender (with the result thatwomen are marginalized in practice even when official policies andgoals require their full inclusion). The role of the body/embodiment is emphasized in severalchapters, with attention both to how organizations disciplinebodies and how organizational members use their bodies to gainadvantage. Particular attention is paid to sexuality in/andorganizations, including sexual harassment, policies to alleviatebias, and the likelihood that future work will pay more attentionto the body’s presence and role in work andorganizations. Many chapters also address “change efforts” thathave been employed by individuals, groups, and organizations,including transnational ones such as the European Union, the UnitedNations, and so on. In addition to its value for teachers and students within thisfield, it also offers insights that would be of value to policymakers and practitioners who need to reflect on the latest thinkingrelating to gender at work and in organizations.