introduction
a relational approach to gender
The gwd is informed by a feminist political economy approach, which conceives of gender as a set of social relations rather than an attribute of individuals. A relational approach to gender seeks to understand how gender relations shape, and are shaped by, institutions such as the labour market, the domestic sphere, trade unions and immigration. It is concerned with examining intersections between gender and social relations including 'race', ethnicity, sexuality, age and (dis)ability.
Taking a relational approach to gender and work is challenging on many levels - this is especially so with quantitative data. Yet, with some conscious effort, the available data (along with the absences in the data themselves) may be used to illustrate and elaborate upon key theoretical insights.
