Inequalities in Power and Authority

Question 1

Decision Making

Edgell

Answer 1

Women had responsibility for unimportant decisions and less likely to have final say on important decisions
Appeared to improve - more joint + independent decisions, but major areas of power remained in housework + childcare
The higher the income, the greater the power in the family - disadvantages women

Question 2

Finance

Bright Grey/Opinium Research

Answer 2

3 in 5 married couples say they consult each other on financial issues
44% working women, 53% working men take main responsibility

Question 3

Finance

Pahl

Answer 3

Separation of finances may increase inequality - women earn 15% less
Growing individualisation in finances -particulary if young, no children, both in full-time work
42% women working are in part time work, 12% of men

Question 4

Disadvantages in Paid Employment

Unreliable

Answer 4

Women with children seen as unreliable
Assumption they will get pregnant again, be absent to look after children

Question 5

Disadvantages in Paid Employment

Investment

Answer 5

Employers reluctant to invest in expensive training for women - assume they will leave to have children

Question 6

Disadvantages in Paid Employment

Lost Opportunities

Answer 6

Women may leave temporarily to have children, so miss pay + promotions
Top jobs require continuous career pattern 20-30 (usual childbearing years)
Women with children find it difficult to attend more meetings + gatherings

Question 7

Disadvantages in Paid Employment

Discrimination

Answer 7

Gatrell - many women labelled as ‘jelly heads’, had to accept downgraded positions
Illegal, but don’t fight it for fear of label or further discrimination

Question 8

Disadvantages in Paid Employment

Giving Up

Answer 8

Many women give up paid work to look after children, elderly, and sick

Question 9

Disadvantages in Paid Employment

Trailing Partner

Answer 9

Married or cohabiting women likely to move house or area for male partner’s job or promotion
Women interrupt careers, have to start new job while men promoted

Question 10

Gatrell

Answer 10

Views of mothers as main or only carer are out of date, growing number of fathers want more involvement
Until childcare no longer regarded as women’s role, inequality in employment persists