Gendering elites : economic and political leadership in 27 industrialised societies

This study is aimed at identifying the mechanisms through which women can reach positions of power in public life. The study highlights the processes which may contribute new impulse to the vitality of the industrialized countries, introducing models characterized by flexibility and creativity both in enterprises and politics. Front Matter....Pages i-xxvi Front Matter....Pages 1-1 A Theoretical Framework....Pages 3-10 Methodology....Pages 11-15 Front Matter....Pages 17-20 Gender, Class and Public Power....Pages 21-34 The Élites’ Cultural Capital....Pages 35-49 Career Trajectories: Convergence or Divergence?....Pages 50-65 Men and Women in Political Leadership....Pages 66-76 Top People and Mentors....Pages 79-90 Gendered Time and Women’s Access to Power....Pages 91-103 Life Choices and Leaders’ Informal Networks....Pages 104-119 Interpersonal Contacts....Pages 120-130 Organisational Structure and Gender....Pages 131-140 The Exercise of Power....Pages 141-154 Family Characteristics....Pages 157-168 Traditional or New Ways of Living....Pages 169-176 Life and Career in North and South Europe....Pages 177-188 Career Life-forms....Pages 189-203 Hierarchies, Attitudes and Gender....Pages 207-219 Perspectives on Gender Cultures in Élites....Pages 220-232 The Social Construction of Gender....Pages 233-246 Élites’ Value Orientations....Pages 247-267 General Conclusions....Pages 269-275 Back Matter....Pages 277-304