Men, masculinities and fatherhood in global finance : a study of hegemonic practices in London

• Main Author: Longlands, Helen
• Published: University College London (University of London) 2014
• Subjects: 327.1; Humanities and Social Sciences
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.646033

This qualitative study examines global finance as a locus for two hegemonic processes associated with masculinity and spatial arrangements. It explores how the finance sector interrelates with the global city of London, and considers how structures and practices of global finance and the work and family lives of men employed in management in banking in London support, confirm or contest hegemony. It aims to reflect on ways these social practices may be re-¬‐configured to promote greater gender equality. Research comprises 7 case studies of fathers centred on semi-¬‐structured interviews with the men and their wives. It also draws on data from fieldnotes/observations of the City and family spaces, and online promotional material from 8 City banks. This thesis explores a gap in scholarship regarding the interrelationship of forms of hegemony linked with global finance in the City and family relations and social practices, and reflects on ways aspects of these local spaces are the product and producers of global forces. As the 2007/8 financial crisis highlighted, local practices can have serious far-¬‐reaching consequences. Analysis reveals the status of the men as bankers and fathers and their access to financial and political power is constituted and reinforced in work and family contexts in ways which confirm and normalise gender inequalities. Patriarchal work practices that favour forms of highly competitive working, and patriarchal family relations, are normalised. Social practices which interrelate with the global city, finance industry and family perpetuate the elite positioning of men working in management in City finance and feed into a cyclical process of privilege transference for their children. Potential crisis tendencies which might contest hegemony, particularly those relating to the 2007/8 financial crisis and hands--on caregiving ideals of fatherhood, are discussed. The thesis suggests, however, the processes of hegemony in global finance are strong and enduring.