Work - Volume 24, issue 4

Authors: MacRae, Nancy | Black, Roxie M.

Article Type: Other

Citation: Work, vol. 24, no. 4, pp. 329-330, 2005

Authors: MacRae, Nancy

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: A look back, after a decade, at the issues surrounding women and work. Work options, childcare and family concerns, the glass ceiling, sexual harassment, women entrepreneurs, race and poverty, unpaid work, and women with disabilities are discussed.

Keywords: work, women, entrepreneurs

Citation: Work, vol. 24, no. 4, pp. 331-339, 2005

Authors: Håkansson, Carita | Eklund, Mona | Lidfeldt, Jonas | Nerbrand, Christina | Samsioe, Göran | Nilsson, Peter M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: One purpose of the present study is to explore the stability of the pattern of health/work and sickness absence among middle-aged women over a period of three years. This study tested two hypotheses: (a) that enduringly healthy working women would perceive more valued occupational roles and higher well-being than long-term sick-listed women; (b) that high levels of well-being at baseline would predict enduring health and occupational role value at a 3-year follow-up. Middle-aged women (n …= 208) answered a postal survey with the Role checklist, a well-being scale and questions about work and sickness situation. The results showed that there was a considerable variability in the pattern of health/work and sickness absence. The variability was greatest among the women who were long-term sick-listed at baseline, and the internal drop out was great among them. The results showed that the enduringly healthy women experienced a more valued worker role and higher well-being than the long-term sick-listed women. Furthermore, high levels of well-being concerning health and work predicted enduring health in the studied sample, and high well-being concerning work was predictive of a valued worker role. Interventions that enable women to develop valuable worker and leisure roles, as well as harmony between different roles, may be important constituents of health promotion/rehabilitation programmes. Show more

Keywords: long-term sick-listing, healthy, role value, role imbalance, work satisfaction

Citation: Work, vol. 24, no. 4, pp. 341-351, 2005

Authors: O'Brien, Shirley Peganoff | Janssen, Karen N.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Administrative positions within higher education have been very homogeneous, reflecting an institutional culture in which males prevail. In an attempt to encourage women to consider alternatives in administrative positions, internship programs were developed to provide women with opportunities and a mechanism for career advancement. The purpose of this case study was to examine what women did as a result of participating in such an administrative internship program over a ten year time period at a …comprehensive university. Interview data yielded consistent results that support existing literature about women in higher education. Trends were identified and recommendations suggested for encouraging more diversity within administrative positions in higher educational institutions. The findings of this study confirm the need for mentoring relationships for women in administrative positions. Show more

Keywords: higher education, women, administration, mentoring

Citation: Work, vol. 24, no. 4, pp. 353-359, 2005

Authors: Maynard, Sharon A. | Blain, Lisa G.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Working mothers who simultaneously manage a job, raise children, and maintain a home may find the endeavor to be physically and emotionally challenging. By means of a case study, this paper explores the impact of work-related injury on one mother's ability to meet the physical demands of childcare and homemaking tasks without jeopardizing her physical recovery or job security. Following a musculoskeletal injury at work, the subject received traditional occupational therapy intervention as well as specific …education regarding ergonomic childcare techniques. Her ability to perform routine homemaking and childcare tasks was assessed prior to and following treatment using the ErgoMomics® MOMS (Measure of Musculoskeletal Symptoms) survey. The case study suggests that educating mothers in ergonomic techniques related to vocational as well as avocational tasks may be beneficial in helping them manage the dual demands of family life and career. Additional informal interviews were conducted with twelve mothers, ages thirty-five to sixty-eight, in order to frame the case study within a wider historical perspective concerning the role of work in women's lives. Show more

Citation: Work, vol. 24, no. 4, pp. 361-367, 2005

Authors: Randolph, Diane Smith

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Studies have found that persons with disabilities who are also members of other minority groups or women encounter dual discrimination [5]. This paper describes how women with disabilities who are in the workplace experience discrimination. In order to determine whether discrimination was a viable issue, theoretical contexts of feminist theory, disability theory, and attribution theory were examined as well as literature examining employment of women with disabilities. For this study, three women …with various disabilities were interviewed regarding the effect of their disability on their typical workday, their employment and job seeking history, and employment opportunities. Qualitative data were also provided through mapping by the participants and pictorial data of worksites. Data were grouped into themes of pre-conceived notions of others, attitudes of others, accommodation issues, inclusion issues and exploitation issues. From these themes definitions of discrimination, nondiscrimination in the workplace were developed. Conclusions include the need for more research on workplace experiences of other or more specific populations that experience discrimination as well as the need for ethical reflection on the part of the researcher regarding vulnerable populations. Show more

Citation: Work, vol. 24, no. 4, pp. 369-380, 2005

Authors: Gottshall, Kim | Gray, Nicola | Drake, Angela I.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Uncle Sam's loyal nieces have come a long way from the days of World War I. The development of occupational and physical therapy was heavily influenced by an early relationship with medical specialists during the First World War. This relationship can be considered largely responsible for the eventual acceptance (by the Armed Forces) of women working in this area. Over the past decade active duty women have seen many changes in opportunities to serve and are …now stationed aboard aircraft carriers, performing roles previously considered for male personnel. We report a case study of the medical care provided by both military and civilian women working for the United States Armed Forces. Initial assessment was conducted in a battalion aid station of a United States Marine Corp base and the subject was then referred to a military medical center with highly technical vestibular assessment and rehabilitation services. The subject's case represents a unique collaboration of women therapists, enabling a Marines' access to timely and accurate assessment, treatment and ultimately, successful return to active duty. This case study is one of many examples of the acceptance and successful integration of women as providers of medical care within the Military's medical framework. Show more

Keywords: military, armed forces, head injury, concussion, vestibular rehabilitation, occupational therapy, physical therapy

Citation: Work, vol. 24, no. 4, pp. 381-386, 2005

Authors: Hamilton, Audra G. | Jacobs, Karen | Orsmond, Gael

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of computer-related musculoskeletal complaints in female college students. This research also explored whether the number of hours per day spent using a computer, type of computer used (laptop vs. desktop), or academic major was related to the presence of musculoskeletal complaints. Additionally, "job strain", a measure of job stress which can affect the physical health of an individual, was measured to determine whether students feel …stress from the job of "student" and if so, whether it contributed to these complaints. Methods: Two surveys, The Boston University Computer and Health Survey and the Job Content Questionnaire [9], were distributed to 111 female college students to measure musculoskeletal complaints and job strain. Seventy-two surveys were returned. Chi-square and logistical regression were used to analyze the data. Results: The results indicated that 80.6% of the participants reported computer-related musculoskeletal complaints in the two weeks prior to completing the survey, although none of the examined factors were associated with the complaints. It is notable, however, that 82% of the students reported spending 0–6 hours/day using a computer, with almost 28% reporting 4–6 hours/day of usage. Eleven percent of the participants reported using the computer more than 8 hours/day. Of those students who use a laptop computer for all computer use, 90.1% reported musculoskeletal complaints. The students reported that they did not experience job strain. Further studies should be performed using a survey specifically intended for college students. Conclusion: The majority of female college students in this study reported musculoskeletal discomfort during or after computer use. Although a statistical correlation could not be made, students using laptop computers reported a higher incidence of musculoskeletal symptoms than those using desktop computers. Additionally, female college students did not seem to experience job strain. Future research should continue on larger, more diverse samples of students to better understand the prevalence and contributors of musculoskeletal complaints, how college students experience job strain (stress), and whether these two factors are related. Show more

Keywords: repetitive stress injury, job strain, stress, laptop computers

Citation: Work, vol. 24, no. 4, pp. 387-394, 2005

Authors: Wells, Shirley A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The lives of women of Mexican descent are being profoundly affected by their changing workforce participation. They are expected to make up the majority of the female workforce in service occupations by 2010. Based on the literature and personal clinical interactions two factors – cultural values and education attainment – consistently appear to have a strong impact on the occupational choices of Mexican American women. This article will explore the interdependence of work, culture, and education …on women of Mexican origin. Show more

Keywords: Mexican American, women, culture, work, education

Citation: Work, vol. 24, no. 4, pp. 395-400, 2005

Authors: Froehlich, Jeanette

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The majority of the world's poor people are women and many of them spend long hours doing paid and unpaid work. Pay inequities between men and women persist and income inequalities between the rich and poor are deepening. Working poor females, especially working poor mothers, struggle against considerable odds. This situation, and some steps that healthcare professionals can take toward dismantling poverty are addressed.

Keywords: income inequality, working class women, poverty and motherhood, structural approach, dismantling poverty, empowerment

Citation: Work, vol. 24, no. 4, pp. 401-408, 2005

Authors: Black, Roxie M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Many of us work within a health carefield, but do we think about the meaning of the care that we provide? This paper examines three approaches to practices in the caring professions; culturally competent care, client centered care, and the feminist ethic of care, in an effort to discover if and where the three intersect. Although philosophically similar, the essence of caring practice discovered in this examination resulted in the simple equation: Provider knowledge …and skills + client respect = client empowerment An examination of the meaning of this formula and its implication for practice is included. Show more

Keywords: caring, culturally competent care, client centered care, feminist ethic of care, empowerment

Citation: Work, vol. 24, no. 4, pp. 409-422, 2005