Patriarchy at work : patriarchal and capitalist relations in employment /

Walby's goal in this tightly argued and well-written book is to examine the relation between patriarchy and capitalism. She begins with a brief chapter that presents the dilemma in which industrialization abets the labor force participation of women, but male-dominated unions resist their inclusion. Walby argues that the most empirically sound position recognizes both the autonomy and interdependence of capitalism and patriarchy. She uncovers the tension between the interests of capital and patriarchy in the allocation of women's labor. Included are a discussion of male violence and sexuality and their reinforcement by the state. Walby concludes her assessment with a chapter on the various theories concerning women's labor force participation. She then uses as a case study the history of women's work and legislation governing that work in England in three major areas: cotton textiles, engineering, and clerical workers. Three appendixes (a table of women's membership in the principal trade unions established in England between 18701918; a list of legislation affecting women's employment; and a list of statistical sources) are followed by 21 pages of references, and a 9-page integrated subject/author index. There are also 14 tables of descriptive statistics. Upper-division undergraduates and above.-S. Reinharz, Brandeis University