Women's Work, Health, and Quality of Life

Discover the unexpected results when occupational health studies include women’s unpaid work!

This landmark book makes a powerful case for the interrelationship of work (whether paid or unpaid) and health issues. Women's Work, Health, and Quality of Life examines specific occupational attitudes, behaviors, and conditions that affect the well-being of women. The subjects of the studies range from Filipina domestic workers in Hong Kong to migrant farm workers in the US, and the conclusions are fascinating.

It also presents a reasoned critique of the shortcomings of most scientific research into women’s occupational health and offers a paradigm shift with significant consequences. By examining women's unpaid domestic work, caregiving, and volunteer work as well as paid work, Women's Work, Health, and Quality of Life provides a more accurate look at critical health issues. It addresses such vital concerns as the physical and emotional health of women who are giving unpaid care to sick family members, for example, as well as analyzing the effects of paid employment on health.

International in scope, Women's Work, Health, and Quality of Life examines vital factors in health and work, including:

• self-care and social support
• levels of stress
• health protective behaviors
• postpartum and midlife health issues
  
  Women's Work, Health, and Quality of Life offers a fascinating picture of these vital issues of women's lives. In kitchens, factories, and offices around the world, work has an impact on women's health. This wide-ranging book will be of interest to public health researchers, policymakers, and women’s activists.