CONTRADICTIONS OF HAVING THE STABLE JOB: ANALYSES ABOUT GENDER RELATIONS BETWEEN WOMEN AND THEIR WORK

Abstract

This study investigated the conceptions of female nurses about the imbrications between gender attributions and aspects of the organization of their work, in the context of the precariousness of the global work and employment relationships.  This study was conducted at a public maternity hospital located in São Paulo – Brazil and was based on a qualitative approach. Data was gathered by ethnography and 10 in-depth interviews. The data collection was organized into two kinds of databases: ‘Field Journals’ and ‘Interviews Database’, which were analyzed by  ‘Triangulation Method’ according to the conceptual framework of hermeneutical referential. Female nurses were in charge to provide financially for the family since they had the ‘stable job’ at the house (being public servants) whereas their partners worked under contract. Those women had to conciliate the shift work with housework and motherhood. Their resting time was reduced, mainly the night workers and they complained about social loss related to the shift schedule. Thus, despite having the guarantee of employment, the burden of the precarious global labor market that subjugates their partners fell on these women's shoulders  and  had negative impacts on their physical and mental health.