ROUTES TO A FEMINIST ORIENTATION AMONG WOMEN AUTOWORKERS

Abstract

This article analyzes the orientation of 150 women autoworkers toward feminism. Demographic variables had no significant independent effects when considered with other variables. Age, marital status, and education did have noteworthy mediated effects. Seniority level, workplace threat, and job skills were significant determinants of feminist orientations. Women's feelings of being trapped in a job, their feelings of job competence, and their self-esteem were also important factors. The interrelationships among the variables suggested that there are two routes to profeminist attitudes. One route is followed by older, higher-seniority women who develop a positive stance toward feminism as a result of mostly positive work-related experiences (high skills, high job competence, high self-esteem). The other route is followed by younger, divorced, or college-educated women whose negative work-related experiences (low seniority, low job skills, high job entrapment, low job competence) apparently sensitize them to feminist issues.