Women, Labour and Politics in Trinidad and Tobago: A History

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

Ranging from the time of slavery and indentureship, to national independence in 1962 and the present day, this book shows how gender inequalities have been perpetuated for the benefit of exploitative systems from slavery to the present day. The book explores women's roles and activities both in colonial ideology and in reality. It covers the politics of sex, race and class; early labour struggles and women's movements; the 1939-45 war and post-war economy, welfare policies, "women's work" and the women's movement; trade unionism; constitutional changes and new nationalist policies. The author argues that it is only modern capital that has defined women as dependent non-workers - housewives. Finally Reddock emphasizes how far labour and political organization have been part of women's experiences since the 19th century.

Author Bio

Professor Rhoda Reddock, former head of the Centre for Gender and Development Studies, is Deputy Principal of University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus.