In the Way of Women

'...an important and valuable contribution to the study of organisations, to an analysis of gendered social processes, and to those who actively remain committed to creating a better world for women.' - Jalna Hanmer, Times Higher Education Supplement '...an engrossing study of resistance to the implementation of equality policies in different kinds of organizations.' - Elizabeth Meehan, Queen's University, Belfast '...the book has the triple virtues of increasing specialized knowledge, compelling the attention of readers generally interested in politics and society and being moving for all who are concerned about human dignity.'- Elizabeth Meehan, Queen's University, Belfast '...essential reading for anyone interested in organisational development in general and Equal Opportunities in particular. Highly recommended...' - Management Education and Development

The 1980s saw many organizations, from major companies to left-wing local councils, take action to improve women's chances. The author demonstrates the social mechanisms through which women's aspirations for change are thwarted and draws lessons from experience for feminist activism in organizations in the 1990s.How are men responding to feminism? In particular, at work dealing with the challenge to their power and privilege represented by positive action for sex equality? The 1980s saw many organizations, from major companies to left-wing local councils, take action to improve women's chances. The research on which this book is based evaluates the part of men in the equality process. The author demonstrates the social mechanisms through which women's aspirations for change are thwarted and draws lessons from experience for feminist activism in organizations in the 1990s.