Policy Press

Women’s Activism Behind the Screens

Trade Unions and Gender Inequality in the British Film and Television Industries

By Frances Galt

Published

Nov 27, 2020

Page count

250 pages

ISBN

978-1529206296

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Nov 27, 2020

Page count

250 pages

ISBN

978-1529206319

Dimensions

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Nov 27, 2020

Page count

250 pages

ISBN

978-1529206319

Dimensions

Imprint

Bristol University Press
Women’s Activism Behind the Screens

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Frances C. Galt explores the role of trade unions and women’s activism in the British film and television industries in this important contribution to debates around gender inequality.

The book traces the influence of the union for technicians and other behind-the-camera workers and examines the relationship between gender and class in the labour movement. Drawing on previously unseen archival material and oral history interviews with activists, it casts new light on women’s experiences of union participation and feminism over nine decades. As concerns about the gender pay gap, women’s rights and harassment continue, it assesses historical progress and points the way to further change in film and TV.

"Makes a major contribution to the historiography of women in the British screen industries, women and trade unionism, and feminist activism, through a unique longitudinal study of the relationship between women and one British craft trade union... This illuminating book will be a vital resource not only for scholars of women’s production histories but also for researchers of women’s work more broadly." Journal of British Cinema and Television

Frances C. Galt completed her PhD on women and trade unions in the British film and television industries at De Montfort University in 2018. She has taught at Sheffield and De Montfort Universities and is currently a Teaching Associate at Newcastle University.

Introduction

Women and the ACT, 1933-59

Catalysts for Change, 1960-75

Regrettably 'Up-to-Date' 1975-81

Remarkable political gains? The 1980s

Women and BECTU, 1991-2017

Conclusion