Representation and Power: Gender Challenges at Work

Abstract

In this paper we argue that the Women’s and Feminist Movement (WFM)’s representation about work is challenging labour relations and the formal system of work by means of opening up new discursive approaches and innovative possibilities in terms of collective action. We will illustrate this through an analysis of the WFM’s discourses about work and gender in Spain between 2009 and 2012. We will discuss how the WFM’s interpretative frames are reshaping the notion of work, how their subjects of work displace the hegemonic and classical workers of trade unions, and how their collective action is transforming the place where representation about work occurs. We draw on power theories and representation approaches to show that the WFM is shaping new forms of representation of work claims, which empower feminist networks and voices.