A mixed-methods study on employment within a feminist non-profit organization

Author/Creator

Author/Creator ORCID

Date

2014-02-12

Department

Program

Towson University. Social Sciences Program

Citation of Original Publication

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Copyright protected, all rights reserved.
There are no restrictions on access to this document. An internet release form signed by the author to display this document online is on file with Towson University Special Collections and Archives.

Subjects

Abstract

This thesis explores the mechanisms that drive individuals employed in non-profit feminist organizations to be proponents of social change. The means to recruit additional support for women's rights is clarified by examining individual and group motivations. Quantitative and qualitative data was collected from 60 individuals currently employed in a feminist nonprofit organization. The findings provide insight into reasons why men and women actively engage in women's advocacy roles. The outcomes suggest there are two consistent characteristics that identify support of feminism: a liberal political orientation and a high educational attainment. In addition, emphasizing female kinship relationships may have a positive effect on male support of feminism. Further, reframing women's rights as a human rights issue may attract and recruit a broader community of individuals.