Subtextual gendering processes: A study of Japanese retail firms in Hong Kong
Document Type
Journal article
Source Publication
Human Relations
Publication Date
2005
Volume
58
Issue
2
First Page
249
Last Page
276
Keywords
equal opportunities, Hong Kong, Japanese, retail, subtextual gendering processes, women
Abstract
This study examined equal opportunities for women employees in two Japanese-owned retail companies (Tairo and Okadaya) in Hong Kong. This article initially discusses the various explanations for gender inequality put forward by scholars. Since equal opportunities legislation – specifically the Sex Discrimination Ordinance (SDO) – was introduced in Hong Kong in 1996, little research has been able to explain why gender inequality persists. The issue can alternatively be understood by examining the subtextual gendering processes. Concealed gendering processes (re)produce gender inequality based on hegemonic power, through structural, cultural, interaction and identity arrangements. Accounts of female staff at various hierarchies reveal that they are subject to these organizational and individual arrangements to various extents under the cover of SDO, which it was claimed, the companies implemented
DOI
10.1177/0018726705052183
Print ISSN
00187267
E-ISSN
1741282x
Publisher Statement
Copyright © 2005 The Tavistock Institute ® SAGE Publications
Access to external full text or publisher's version may require subscription.
Full-text Version
Publisher’s Version
Language
English
Recommended Citation
Wong M. M. L. (2005) Subtextual gendering processes: A study of Japanese retail firms in Hong Kong. Human Relations, 58(2): 249-276. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0018726705052183