This study examines how gender-specific power relations are used to create a culture of control at teachers unions and the methods female instructors at these organizations use to resist such control. By examining the actual experience, status of wome...
This study examines how gender-specific power relations are used to create a culture of control at teachers unions and the methods female instructors at these organizations use to resist such control. By examining the actual experience, status of women at teachers union, this research analyzes how women try to define their roles as union members within the structure and to what extent women's attempts to resist that power structure are regarded as problematic.
The results of a case study based on interviews of women's experience, status in the male-centered world of teachers union can be summarized as follows:
Women's experience shows how the existing male-centered power structure inherently perpetuates a lower status for female and consistently works to the advantage of male staff members. The male-centered power system is based on shared experiences and ties between male members. This gives men access to positions of authority while excluding women from influential work roles.
By looking at the male-dominated world of teachers union from the viewpoint of women, this study gives an insight into the unique characteristics of organization. At the same time it can be considered to give a larger picture of women's status and experience in the organization. A special merit of this study is its observation of the mechanisms used by women in their attempts to change the male-oriented system. It is hoped that these mechanisms may provide a framework for eventually changing the nature of that system.