Women in the New Labor Activism: Gender Trends in Attitudes Toward Unions

Abstract

The gender gap in union membership rates has narrowed considerably in the last decades. How is this change related to women's attitudes toward unions? What is the profile of women who support union activism? Are there reasons to believe that women's support will continue to increase over time? Using data from the General Social Survey, I examine women's attitudes toward trade unions between 2002 and 2021. Data shows that support for unions is higher among non-white, less-educated, and younger women, as well as among women employed in female-dominated occupations. I conclude by discussing the implications of the findings for current and future labor activism.