Odraz nejistot, znevýhodnění a marginalizace na trhu práce v biografických výpovědích žen s nízkým vzděláním

The paper addresses the problem of growing uncertainties in the Czech labour market over the past 20 years, with regards to the specific conditions of unskilled women, struggling to integrate their paid work and unpaid work. The economic uncertainties and growing levels of global competition in production increase the pressure for transformation and flexibilisation of workforce. The actors occupying marginalized labour market positions tend to display lower levels of social capital and lower levels of work experience and education. At the same time, these people, including mothers in child care, find it difficult to cope with the increasing pressure for productivity and flexibility. The socioeconomic marginalization of unskilled mothers is further strengthened by measures of the state’s social policy. The present analysis is based on three biographic interviews regarding the work trajectories of women whose highest level of education is vocational or lower. A biographical approach enables us to analyse the impact of structural and institutional conditions as well as social and cultural processes on the work and life trajectories of respondents. Their testimonies reveal both the mechanisms of gender discrimination, social exclusion and subordination that the unskilled mothers have to face in their personal lives and careers, and the strategies and resources they employ in order to cope with their situation.