Abstract

Despite the wealth of empirical research currently available on the interrelationships of gender and labor, we still know comparatively little about the forms of classification and categorization that have helped shape these social phenomena over time. Categories in Context seeks to enrich our understanding of how cognitive categories such as status, law, and rights have been produced, comprehended, appropriated, and eventually transformed by relevant actors. By focusing on specific developments in France and Germany through a transnational lens, this volume produces insights that can be applied to a wide variety of political, social, and historical contexts.

“Categories in Context takes an innovative approach that provides an expansive understanding of economic citizenship in its gendered limits and possibilities. This collection is an important intervention in historicizing gendered workplace regimes and will be a worthy contribution to the field.” • Eileen Boris, University of California, Santa Barbara

“The research gathered here is extremely important and well done. It brings together leading experts to illuminate a critical area of gender politics through rich, empirical case studies.” • Amy Mazur, Washington State University

Isabelle Berrebi-Hoffmann is a sociologist and a member of the research faculty at the French National Center for Scientific Research.

Theresa Wobbe is a Professor Emerita of Sociology of Gender at the University of Potsdam.

Olivier Giraud is a political scientist and research director at the French National Center for Scientific Research.

Léa Renard is a doctoral researcher in sociology and political scientist at the University of Potsdam and at the Université Grenoble Alpes, PACTE.