This article arises from personal reflections following study in a particular field. It analyses some of the factors which influence the development of a women's profession in a male-orientated society. The structure and relationships within the health services are perceived as a reflection of the position of men and women in society. A second issue, that of the perspective which produces the classification of occupations, is touched upon. The importance of keeping valued ‘female’ characteristics as well as developing ‘male’ ones is discussed.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
ReutherR.Liberation theology. New York: Paulist Press, 1972.
2.
FreidsonD.Professional dominance: The social structure of medical care. New York: Atherton Press, 1970.
3.
FrenchM.Beyond power: On women, men and morals. New York: Abacus, 1985.
4.
OakleyA.Subject women. Oxford: Martin Robinson, 1981.
5.
LeesonLGrayJ. Women and medicine. London: SSP, Tavistock, 1978.
6.
MartinEM. Recruitment and training: From a study of five of the professions supplementary to medicine 1963–1966. Br J Occup Ther1969; 32(10): 31–33.
7.
NicholsonJ.Men and women. Oxford: OUP, 1984.
8.
TolsonA.The limits of masculinity. London: SSP, Tavistock, 1977.
9.
Ministry of Health and SHHD.Report of the Committee on Senior Nursing Staff Structure. (The Salmon Report). London: HMSO, 1966.
10.
BassBMKrussellJAlexanderRA. Male managers' attitudes toward working women. In: FidellLSDalameterJ, eds. Women in professions: What's all the fuss about?Beverley Hills: Sage Publications, 1971.
11.
HuntA.Management attitudes and practices towards women at work. London: HMSO, 1975.
12.
GillT.Women as managers: Implications for occupational therapy. Br J Occup Ther1986; 49(12): 385–88.
13.
Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine.1987/8 Occupational Therapy Register. London: CPSM, 1988.
14.
SnyderEC, ed. The study of women: Enlarging perspectives of social reality. New York: Harper and Row, 1979.
