“I NEVER DID ANY FIELD WORK, BUT I MILKED AN AWFUL LOT OF COWS!”
- 1 April 1995
- journal article
- research article
- Published by SAGE Publications in Gender & Society
- Vol. 9 (2) , 216-235
- https://doi.org/10.1177/089124395009002005
Abstract
To redefine work as a concept, the author develops the theoretical contours of a multidimensional continuum model of women's work that moves away from older dual spheres models, using oral histories of older rural white women from Iowa and Missouri. Based on a grounded theory analysis, the author discusses three important dimensions of a continuum model of work: economic benefits, location, and time control characteristics. These dimensions tend to funnel women into multiple work strategies where they combine several labor options to maximize economic benefit. A multidimensional continuum model allows us to observe some of the mechanisms operating in women's labor decision-making process. It suggests new ways of thinking about women's life course patterns. By providing us with a definition of work that more accurately reflects observed experience, it casts doubt on some of our social policies, especially those regarding the care of children and the elderly.This publication has 10 references indexed in Scilit:
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