Praca zawodowa kobiet na łamach „Zwierciadła” (1982–1990)

Abstract

The below study concerns the subject of women’s professional work towards the end of existence of the Polish People’s Republic, and is based on an analysis of content published in the journal “Zwierciadło” between 1982–1990. The examined chronological period was the third of four time periods in the history of “Zwierciadło” journal and was associated with the publication’s acquisition by the League of Polish Women in April 1982 – at the time of journal reinstatement, which was suspended as a result of the introduction of martial law on December, 13 1981. In total, around 450 issues of the journal, published between 1982–1990 and around 50 issues published in 1961 were analysed, and to prepare the description, 70 texts were used. In particular, the study examines the subject of feminisation of professional occupations. The most important areas of employment dominated by women included but were not limited to: shop assistants, teachers and labour workers. The text also focuses on the subject of healthcare, the area where women outnumbered men in the following professions: nurses, doctors and midwife. Another, equally important issue presented in the study, was the rise in managerial positions held by women.