Women's pay and participation in the Queensland workforce

Abstract

This chapter reflects on women's experiences of work in Queensland in the nineteenth century, major changes in the twentieth century and the picture of women's work at the beginning of the twenty-first century. It examines the interplay between women's role in family care and in participation in paid work. State regulation and social attitudes have viewed women's work differently from men's work. The chapter charts major developments in relevant legislation and practices. Women's participation in the Queensland labour market has increased and many discriminatory practices have been removed. However, gender segregation and lower pay remain features of employment.