Youth, Gender and Part-Time Work-Students in the Labour Process

Abstract

In the UK increasing proportions of male and female students in filfltime education are working in marginal, flexible, part-time service jobs. This contemporary labour process centres on age being used to control labour, a process that is interwoven with a repertory of other control strategies concerned with minimising costs and maximising flexibility. Contrary to the assertions of some, this labour process is also gendered. Coupled with the fact that such `stop-gap' jobs do not predict future patterns of labour force involvement, this labour process is unlikely to contribute to a more general erosion of gender segregation in employment. Resistance strategies also take on a variety of forms, with low paid work providing legitimation for `leisure' activities and for the advancement of students' own interests.