Cynthia Fuchs Epstein - Böcker

In this important book a leading feminist scholar surveys and critiques gender research in a range of disciplines, showing how distinctions between the sexes are maintained by ideology and social controls.“A model of sociological common sense, as well as of scholarship…. Epstein addresses basic theoretical, methodological, and epistemological concerns that cut across most sociological specialties.  This book is required reading by every gender sociologist…. It should be read as well by sociologists whose specialty is not gender, and especially by theorists of all stripes…. This is truly the capstone work of a mature scholar.” –Janet Saltzman Chafetz, Social Forces“Deceptive Distinctions really has two agendas.  The first, based on a review of a wide range of scholarship, much of it quite recent, is to argue that men and women are overwhelmingly similar and that any differences between them are socially constructed.  The second is to develop a sociology of knowledge in which the intellectual roots of scholarship on women serve as a case study.  Epstein’s project is not only timely but ambitious as well.” –Naomi Gerstel, Women’s Review of Books“In this sophisticated and incisive critique, Epstein ranges from sociobiology to linguistics and from politics to psychiatry to iterate her position that gender differences are often used to support the existing structure rather than to advance our understanding or expand our horizons.” –Carol C. Nadelson, M.D., American Journal of Psychiatry“Epstein’s informative critique… makes clear [that] the position of women is not an isolated ‘problem’ but the inevitable result of a complex system of power, opportunity, and incentive.  Epstein shows [how] dichotomous thinking still rules our lives.... By bringing together what sociology knows to the contrary, she has helped move society toward a solution.” –Beryl Lieff Benderley, Psychology TodayCo-published with the Russell Sage Foundation.

Today's professionals, especially women, are caught in a time paradox: can they build a career and a family at the same time? The Part-time Paradox explores the conflict and tension between the time demands of career and family life, and the choice of part-time work as a solution.The changing demographics of the family and the work place make it increasingly difficult for both men and women to meet the escalating time pressures facing a doctor, lawyer or manager. This book examines the social problems associated with demanding work schedules and choices, and also illustrates successful alternatives to full-time employment. It draws on interviews with attorneys in large law firms, in-house corporate counsels, and government service in order to explore the multiple dimensions of the part-time work solution. Although attitudes are beginning to change, one of the greatest impediments to part-time work is the stigma attached to it in many organizations, and the consequences for the careers of individuals who take it. Professionals define themselves, in part, by their commitment to overtime. The authors reveal how cultural perspectives of the true professional, part-time work, and stereotypes about gender roles can influence both an individual's decision making process and office policy. They show that in an environment where professionals perceive part-time work as deviant, it may require not just perserverance, but also a trade-off between time flexibility and professional status.The authors consider issues ranging from job security and the consequences of new technology, to the economics of part-time work and the division of labor in the family. The Part-time Paradox provides a timely overview of a growing crisis, as part-time and flex-time work arrangements increase.

Originally published in 1981, this book is composed of papers that describe and analyse women’s careers in government, business, and the professions. It examines women’s access to and participation in elite careers in the US, and in selected countries of western and eastern Europe – Britain, France, West Germany, Austria, Norway, Finland, Poland, and Yugoslavia – as well as in international organizations. This book was an outgrowth of a conference on ‘Women in decision-making elites in cross-national perspective,’ held at King’s College, Cambridge University, in July 1976. The countries represented were chosen because, although they were at similar stages of economic development, they exhibited differences in political structure, ideology, and tradition.

Originally published in 1981, this book is composed of papers that describe and analyse women’s careers in government, business, and the professions. It examines women’s access to and participation in elite careers in the US, and in selected countries of western and eastern Europe – Britain, France, West Germany, Austria, Norway, Finland, Poland, and Yugoslavia – as well as in international organizations. This book was an outgrowth of a conference on ‘Women in decision-making elites in cross-national perspective,’ held at King’s College, Cambridge University, in July 1976. The countries represented were chosen because, although they were at similar stages of economic development, they exhibited differences in political structure, ideology, and tradition.