Social networks as the backbone of women's work in the Catalan Pyrenees. (January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pallares-Barbera, Montserrat; Casellas, Antònia
• Is Part Of: European urban and regional studies. Volume 26:Number 1(2019:Jan.)
• Page Start: 65
• Page End: 79
• Publication Date: 2019-01
• Subjects: Gender inequality -- rural areas -- social bridge agents -- social capital -- social networks -- symbolic power; Regional planning -- Europe -- Periodicals; Regional economics -- Periodicals; Cities and towns -- Europe -- Periodicals; 307.76094
• DOI: 10.1177/0969776417730864
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0969-7764

Abstract

This paper discusses how historically the accumulation of symbolic power by men produced a glass ceiling for women in the Catalan Pyrenees and how women have overcome this constraint by engaging in male-led networks, founding gender balanced networks and developing women-nurtured networks. Through semi-structured qualitative interviews and ethnographic research, the paper investigates the strategies women employed to maintain their involvement in networking activities over a 10-year period. The paper identifies the importance of being connected with horizontal organizations and the empowerment of sharing experiences provided by social bridge agents. The results of this research make a strong case for more inclusive and gender-aware policies in rural areas as a means to promote economic and social viability while empowering women.