The work experiences of young (under 20 years of age) women in New Zealand/Aotearoa, 1993

Abstract

The purpose of the research was to examine the effect of the Employment Contracts Act 1991 on a particular group within the labour market, women under 20 years of age, and to provide a human face to existing quantitative data. The focus of this research is on the work experiences of young women who work 20 or more hours per week and for whom employment is their primary source of income. The literature review provides background to the research and contextualises the findings. An over-view of the changes in the labour laws which have led to the introduction of the Employment Contracts Act 1991 (ECA) is followed by an examination of the position that women (as a group of individuals) occupy within the labour market. The effective outcomes of the ECA on women workers is investigated by reviewing recent research in the area. The position of young women in the labour market, and the effect the ECA, (such as the absence of a minimum youth wage), is likely to have on them, provides the impetus for the research as expressed in the aims and objectives for the project. The research has been approached from a feminist perspective, which has in turn lead to the utilisation of a feminist methodology. Such methodology exposes women's experiences, using their own language, and places emphasis on a collaborative and non-authoritarian research process, for the purpose of social change. The information was gathered through a combination of focus group interviews and telephone interviews with 18 young women. The strengths and weakness of each method is critically evaluated from a review of the relevant literature, together with its practical applications. Generally young women showed a lack of understanding of the ECA and their rights as workers. They did not take an active part in the negotiation of their contracts which lead to exploitation for some participants. The implication for young women workers are discussed and recommendations made in order to raise levels of awareness.