Who does homeworking and why?

Abstract

Images of homeworkers and homeworking are constantly shifting. No sooner is evidence produced to discredit one stereotype than it is succeeded by another, often a revised version of those popular at an earlier date. The creation of apparently contradictory images of homeworkers is one way in which the issues raised by homeworking are evaded. Because so many accounts of homeworking portray homeworkers as having characteristics unusual or atypical of those considered to be real workers, it is presented as a minor problem, confined to the periphery of labour force activity — whereas, in fact, it involves major questions about the sexual division of labour.