Equal Opportunities Work - Theories about Practice

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esponsibilities be delegated? The time has come to make a critical examination of different ways of pursuing equal opportunities, and to debate how we should work in this field. We need to know more about the various interpretations of the problem complex surrounding equality, about different perspectives on the impediments to equality within organizations, about the different ways in which efforts to achieve equal opportunities between women and men have been institutionalized at universities and institutes of higher education, and about what measures need to be taken so that existing policies produce results. One of the aims of this booklet is to begin building up a theoretical foundation for work in the area of equal opportunities, to draw up theories on the basis of a survey of practices. I hope that these theories will provide a justification for the implementing of strategic measures, which should, in turn, provide greater opportunities for the underrepresented sex. This, in turn, should motivate both sexes to participate in further work to promote equality. Another aim underlying this booklet is to produce a constructive analysis of the contradictions in the information available in official (Swedish government) publications on the subject of equal opportunities between women and men. I wish to stress that this text is not an attempt to draw up a specific equal opportunities policy. Rather, it is my aspiration to provide material for discussion, useful as a tool in furthering equal opportunities work at the reader's own level. Such discussions must always be rooted in practical experience, and this experience may also serve as implicit arguments.
Working for equal opportunities, fair treatment and quality 1. Introduction Why should any organizatton put effort into improving its equal opportunities policy? Simply in order to comply with the legislation? Out of a desire to abolish prevailing injustices? As part of an overall reform and development program for the organization in question? It is crucial that everyone involved in work with equal opportunities policy think through personal answers to those questions. In fact, doing so is a prerequisite to being able to accomplish anything in relation to those efforts. This is true not least because working with equality issues often implies having one's views subjected to skeptical scrutiny. This makes it all the more important to be able to motivate what we are doing, for ourselves and others. This presentation is based on a description of how equal opportunities policies are justified by the powers that be in Sweden. We examine their argumentation, highlight their hidden agendas and assumptions, and examine different possible interpretations. The aim of this booklet is to provide a platform for discussion of why any organization should put time and energy into developing and pursuing an equal opportunities policy. 2. Arguments put forward by the Swedish national authorities in favor of an equal opportunities policy A Swedish government document entitled Jiimstrilldhetspolitiken ( "F;qual Opportunity Policy " 1996/97:41) states the following objectives for an equal opportunities policy: The objectives for an equal opportunities policy have been established. They are that women and men are to have the same options, rights and obligations in all the significant spheres of human life. An even distribution of power and influence between women and men also means that they should have the same potential for financial independence, and be subject to the same terms and conditions with regard to entrepreneurship, employment and working life, as well as the same opportunities for further training and skill enhancement at I
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