Gender and the Economic Crisis in Southern Europe

Abstract

In the last four years Southern European countries are facing an immense economic crisis which has led to many changes in the economic, political and institutional fields. This crisis has affected both men and women. However, more negative have been the influences on women, especially due to austerity driven and neo-liberal state policies that have been adopted to alleviate the crisis. Toward that end crucial structural changes were made such as those in the labour market, the unions (collective bargaining), and retirement pensions. Continuous pressures and bargaining are carried out with the government without an end in sight. More specifically, the governmental priorities of all Southern European countries, with Greece in the forefront, to eliminate state deficits, has led to benefit cuts and large institutional changes imposing heavily on the middle classes. The few social benefits that were previously given to women in order to assist them, have been drastically reduced. No efforts have been made by various governments of Southern European countries to enhance women’s position in the labour market and society. Two central questions arise. To what degree have the policies previously set by South European governments contributed to a sustained gender inequality? Is the economic crisis responsible for leading to policies which would significantly affect gender equality? and if so, to what extend. Papers are invited to illustrate, offer new data and theoretically discuss the degree of influence that has occurred on gender equality and empowerment as a result of the economic crisis and austerity policies. Comparative or country case studies may focus on gender related policies and politics in South European countries (Spain, Italy, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Malta and Τurkey) concerning labour rights, working relations and social policies.

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