Publisher's Synopsis
In 1993, the largest UK union, UNISON, created an innovative framework for empowering women. This is the first in-depth study of UNISON's claims to put women at the heart of the union. - - Detailed interviews with activists and case studies of decision-making bodies show how different membership groups exploit equal opportunities strategies to facilitate or impede women. - - These case studies expose the conundrum of understanding women as a differentiated but distinct membership group. They illustrate why women activists need to be understood in their diverse and multiple roles of being low-paid workers, black women, lesbians and members of political parties but also demonstrate that women are most empowered when treated as an oppressed social group. - - The theoretical issues and practical realities addressed in this multi-faceted study are of relevance to all academics and activists involved in the study and practice of trade unions and equal opportunities.
