Gender equality in paid and unpaid work: priorities for UK policy intervention

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to summarise policy interventions and realistic strategies for achieving greater gender equality in paid and unpaid work, which were identified during a conference on “Gender equality in paid and unpaid work” held on 8 December 2009 at the Church House Conference Centre, London, UK.

Design/methodology/approach

The conference included four plenary talks and group discussions. The paper is based on the presentations and group discussions.

Findings

Government policies need to be holistic in the sense that labour market inequalities are often interlinked with inequalities in the home. The current economic recession can be seen as an opportunity to renegotiate work and life arrangements.

Originality/value

The papers presented at the conference included original qualitative and quantitative research by researchers from several social science disciplines. The participants in the group discussions were academics, policy makers, pressure groups, practitioners and third‐sector workers, and thus provided a variety of different viewpoints.

Citation

Plagnol, A.C., Scott, J. and Schober, P. (2010), "Gender equality in paid and unpaid work: priorities for UK policy intervention", Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Vol. 29 No. 7, pp. 711-715. https://doi.org/10.1108/02610151011074425