What the study found
The study found evidence that subversive, collective action at the interactional level can redo gender at the wider institutional level. In the community studied, interdependent practices were associated with sustained structural and cultural changes, while also creating conditions for gender-atypical behaviour in everyday interactions.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that a community-wide approach may help transcend the gender division of paid and unpaid labour. They suggest that when people become accountable to revised norms for gender-appropriate behaviour, gender may become less important in how work is divided between women and men.
What the researchers tested
The researchers used participant observation and interviews in a large community described as unique for enacting gender egalitarianism. They examined a set of collectively designed and undertaken practices, including uniform working hours and earnings for all members, communal provision of domestic labour such as childcare, and a 50:50 gender quota for representative positions supported by role rotation.
What worked and what didn't
The study reports that these interdependent practices were linked to sustained structural and cultural changes at the institutional level. It also says these changes created conditions for gender-atypical behaviour at the interactional level, and that the two processes of 'redoing' gender were mutually reinforcing.
What to keep in mind
The abstract does not describe limitations, comparison groups, or measures of how large the changes were. The findings come from one large community described as unique, so the available summary does not show how broadly they apply.
Key points
- Subversive collective action was linked to changes in gender norms at the institutional level.
- Uniform working hours and earnings were one of the practices described.
- Childcare and other domestic labour were provided communally.
- Representative positions used a 50:50 gender quota with role rotation.
- The two forms of 'redoing' gender were described as mutually reinforcing.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Community practices reduced the gender divide in paid and unpaid labour
- Authors:
- Reece Garcia, Carol Atkinson
- Institutions:
- Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester Metropolitan University
- Publication date:
- 2026-03-29
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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