Citation

Daiski I, Richards E. Gend. Work Organ. 2007; 14(3): 210-231.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1468-0432.2007.00340.x

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Oppression exists at many levels and in varying degrees. To demonstrate how marginality affects differently situated professionals, two occupational groups considered to be marginalized were studied: bedside nurses and elementary core French teachers. The findings confirm that women (and men) in ‘feminized’ fields experience, as well as exercise, oppression. Devaluation of their worth is internalized and taken for granted by most who inhabit these work spaces, including the members concerned. While those groups ‘on top’ bully those ‘below,’ dominance is also reinforced laterally amongst the members. Thus marginality between groups, as well as within them is thereby produced, with the centre of oppression constantly shifting. The authors conclude that professionals are not unified categories, readily distinguishable from outside oppressors. Their members, too, are caught up in power relationships amongst themselves. Recognition of the shifting centre of oppression is an essential first step to improve conditions for the marginalized.