Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of the book. The book explores the different factors which influence and affect women's careers in primary teaching and attempts to interrelate such factors. It considers the ways that different external conditions and changes in the promotion structure affect the careers of women primary teachers. The book focuses on the work culture of primary teaching and at the characteristics of the labour market for these teachers in respect of the influence they have on women's careers. It explores the effects on women's careers of interrupting teaching service and of managing the family. The book examines the beginnings of promotion and career development for women primary teachers. It illustrates the different kinds of influences on women's careers in primary teaching. The book is about women teachers' careers in primary education.