| Abstract: | This paper analyses the feminization and professionalization experience of accounting in the United Kingdom. Accountancy is involved in an on-going struggle to consolidate its privileged position in society. It is, therefore, particularly sensitive to any process which may threaten this position. Since the position of women in society is a subordinate one, the increasing feminization of accounting may adversely affect this struggle. As a result, complex patriarchal structures evolve to reduce the threat to professionalization that feminization may pose, and also to reduce the contradictions between women's subordinate role in society, and their relatively privileged role in professionally aspiring occupations. |
