Challenging Unions
Feminist Process and Democracy in the Labour Movement

Edelson, Miriam
Publisher:  Canadian Research Institute for the Advancement of Women, Canada
Year Published:  1987  
Pages:  28pp   ISBN:  ISBN 0-919653-64-2
Resource Type:  Book
Cx Number:  CX3284

Abstract:  Edelson presents what she sees as "two underlying principles of feminist organizing: that personal issues are part of the political realm and that in undertaking political work, the objectives envisaged must be reflected in the process by which they are achieved." She feels that the goal of democratizing unions is not shared by all; specifically, she suggests that "for white males in particular...the current practices and structures which govern union activity have worked well." She cautions against the belief that 'sisterhood' always transcends class differences, saying that while they must be clear about their agenda for women's equality, union women should be working to build strong unions "capable of defending women and all workers.


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