Options
Gender perspective on the economic crisis: Ireland in an EU context
Author(s)
Date Issued
2014-12
Date Available
2015-01-19T13:14:45Z
Abstract
This article asks to what extent there are common gender dimensions to the austerity policies that have been pursued in Ireland, and across the EU, throughout the economic crisis years. While focusing on the Irish experience in particular, a comparative perspective is used, drawing on analyses of core policies at EU level and exploring the gender patterns evident in the way in which economic and social policies have been developed and implemented. Evidence is presented of the disproportionate impact in Ireland of cuts in public expenditure on low-income households, lone parents, and unemployed households, and the way in which resources to care services have been de-prioritized. A detailed analysis of the gendered impact of the crisis in Ireland is seen to reinforce patterns that have been identified at global and EU levels. Consequences of decisions and choices made and their implications for gender equality and social inequality are examined, particularly the dismantling of equality legislative and policy infrastructure. Despite some important redistributive effects of social protection policies, new inequalities are revealed in inter-generational impacts of the crisis, which have received little attention, and are reflected in housing costs, negative labour market flexibility, a two-tier public sector, and emigration. The re-establishment of employment growth and other definite signs of recovery are unlikely to reverse the deepened inequalities that have marked this crisis, unless policies are radically changed.
Type of Material
Journal Article
Publisher
University of Michigan
Journal
Gender Sexuality and Feminism
Volume
1
Issue
2
Start Page
82
End Page
103
Copyright (Published Version)
2014 Gender, Sexuality and Feminism
Language
English
Status of Item
Not peer reviewed
This item is made available under a Creative Commons License
File(s)
Owning collection
Views
2297
Last Month
2
2
Acquisition Date
Apr 16, 2024
Apr 16, 2024
Downloads
915
Last Month
9
9
Acquisition Date
Apr 16, 2024
Apr 16, 2024