Blog #14

On page 3 of At Work In the Iron Cage, Britton describes the “theory of gendered organizations”. She states “the theory argues that we should see organizations not as neutral organisms infected by the germs of workers’ gender (and sexuality and race and class) identities but as sites in which these attributes are present in preexisting assumptions and constructed through ongoing practice.” Britton uses a number of sources throughout her book when discussing the “theory of gendered organizations”. The primary information used comes from the interviews of seventy-two corrections officers working within 2 men’s, and three women’s prisons. Structure, agency, and culture are all interlinked in an ongoing process of organizational gendering. I believe that prison system provides proof that the above mentioned intertwine when organizational gendering is involved. That is structure, agency, and culture all play a vital role in the process of organizational gendering.

Britton also says that “Organizations are gendered at the level of structure.” What she is basically saying is that there is a division between public and private spheres in regards to work. Men are more apt to benefit from this type of structure. For instance it is proven that men have an easier time and adapt to these types of work. I agree with what Britton is saying. Many employers require demanding hours, responsibility, and commitment. These particular types of jobs make it very hard on women that have to juggle the responsibility of family life. Many of these jobs are very demanding and statistics show that men work more overtime hours then women in similar positions. I believe this is due to the fact that most women have extra responsibilities outside. These responsibilities consume as much if not more time than the 9-5 job someone may work. I sympathize for these women. Great strides have been made in terms of reform, especially in regards to the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972. Legislation along with the EEOC of 1972 has broken down many barriers. These combined policies and jurisdiction are steps in the right direction, but progress is always welcomed.