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

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