Gendered labour arrangements in Switzerland: Structures, cultures, meanings: statistical evidence and biographical narratives

Authors: Bühler E.¹; Meier Kruker V.²

Source: GeoJournal, Volume 56, Number 4, 2002 , pp. 305-313(9)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

In this paper we explore the role of culture in the reproduction of gendered labour arrangements. Using Switzerland as an example, we first analyse statistical data on paid and unpaid labour. We look at differences between women and men, but also between different types of regions. Patterns emerge to support our hypothesis that beyond structures of economic opportunity, economic cycles and welfare state provisions, local (gender) culture might explain some of the particularities of gendered labour arrangements. The argument is reinforced by data on regional voting patterns in a recent referendum on the issue of maternity leave. In the second part, we further explore these issues by looking at a particular place and re-telling work-life-stories that show how two women navigate between different working culture environments in accordance with their life-cycle needs and individual ideas and values. Finally, we discuss issues of scale and methodology and reflect on the significance of varying local working environments.

Keywords: gender culture; labour market; Switzerland; unpaid work

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1025904010911

Affiliations: 1: Geographisches Institut, Universität Zürich, Winterthurerstr. 190, CH-8057 Zürich, Switzerland, Tel: +41 1 635 52 47, Fax: +41 1 635 68 45, Email: buehler@geo.unizh.ch 2: Sozialwissenschaftliche Geographie, LMU München, Luisenstrasse 37, D-80333 München, Germany

Publication date: 2002-01-01