ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the authors examine aspects of the work and work situation of female clerical workers. Women clerical workers seem to deserve some attention, not only because they constitute a large and growing section of the workforce but also because their experience of work must relate to important questions in class theory, study of social mobility and the sociology of occupations. Some were long-service clerical workers, but most had been recruited directly into these grades – from a very different labour ‘pool’ from that of the ‘bright school leaver’. For them, formal qualifications were not particularly important – clerical recruits in the older age ranges were not, on the whole, considered as promotion prospects. Women’s domestic commitments and responsibilities also keep women ‘available’ for clerical employment long after their male equivalents have moved out of clerical grades. Although some minor managerial complaints were voiced concerning married women clerical workers, in many other respects they were considered highly suitable employees.
