DEFINING AND REDEFINING WORK
Gender & SocietyPublished 1 June 1997
DeAnne K. Hilfinger Messias, Eun‐Ok Im, Aroha Evelyn Page, Hanna Regev, Judith A. Spiers, Laurie M. Yoder
Citations67
SJR quartileQ1
SJR score2.27
SNIP3.02
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Abstract
In this article the authors examine the ways in which the definition of work as paid employment has affected women's health research, the knowledge and understanding of the relationships between women's work and health, and health and social policies. The authors argue for research and public policy based on an expanded definition of women's work, a redefinition that goes beyond employment to reflect the multiple contexts and dimensions of women's work as well as the diversity and differences among women.
Keywords
Social SciencesHealth Professions
Work and motivation
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