Double discrimination? Gender and disability in access to the graduate labour market
Researchers: Dr Gillian Pascall and Dr Nicola Hendey (School of Sociology and Social Policy, University of Nottingham), Professor Gillian Parker, with Michael Hirst.
Funder: European Social Fund (Higher Education: Research into Gender Discrimination)
Duration: March 2005 - September 2006
Background
Both government and disabled people see paid work as the best route out of poverty and social exclusion, yet disabled people are less likely than their non-disabled peers to take up or retain paid employment, and more likely to occupy poorly paid, low status jobs. Disabled women often fare worse than both disabled men and non-disabled women. Access to higher education can boost employment opportunities, sustain career development, and increase occupational choice.
Aims
This project aims to understand how disabled women's experiences at university translate into good quality, sustainable career opportunities in professional, managerial and senior official roles. It will identify their support needs, investigate the role of careers guidance and planning, and suggest practical strategies to enhance occupational success.
Methods
The study is predominantly qualitative, including group discussions and case studies of disabled women and men in their final university year and following graduation. The project is committed to using emancipatory methods and the topics explored will be largely determined by the participants themselves rather than the researchers. Existing literature and official statistics will also be reviewed to understand how disabled graduates currently fare in the labour market. SPRU will contribute a review and analysis of existing datasets, including administrative sources, for evidence of disabled graduates' labour market position and working patterns following graduation. Occupational outcomes of disabled women and disabled men will be compared using both cross-sectional and longitudinal data.
Publications
2008
Double Discrimination? Gender and Disability in Access to the Labour Market, 2008
Parker, G., Grebe, C., Hirst, M., Hendey, M., and Pascall, G., Social Policy Research Unit.
If you require further information about the project, please contact Gillian Parker 
