Julia M. Bristor

Feminist Thought: Implications for Consumer Research

This article applies three distinct feminist perspectives to critique scientific objectivity, and the problematic, theories, methods of data collection, and methods of data analysis in consumer research. Each feminist perspective helps heighten sensitivity to gender biases in current research and offers insights on new directions for consumer scholarship. Copyright 1993 by the University of Chicago.

Interpersonal networks of managerial and professional women and men: descriptive characteristics

Presents descriptive information on interpersonal networks, both inside and outside of one′s organization, among managerial and professional women and men. Sex differences were also examined. Data were collected from 57 women and 55 men in early and mid‐career stages using questionnaires. Respondents indicated an average of 4.9 individuals in their inside networks and 2.8 individuals in their outside networks. There was a higher percentage of men in both networks, but the difference was smaller in outside than in inside networks. Respondents interacted with inside and outside network members about once a week. Inside network members held staff rather than line jobs, were at slightly higher organizational levels and were only modestly connected to powerful organizational leaders. Outside networks consisted mostly of friends and spouses. The networks of women and men had some differences. Women′s networks contained more women than did men′s networks. Women also received a greater number of developmental fun...

The role of interpersonal networks in women′s and men′s career development

Describes an exploratory study to examine the interpersonal networks of managerial women and men. Women and men indicated all potentially supportive relationships they had both inside and outside their organizations. Data were collected from 57 women and 55 men using questionnaires. Includes also potential antecedents of such relationships (individual demographic, work environment), consequences (job satisfaction, career success, job involvement) and network characteristics (number of individuals, frequency of interactions, development functions provided). Finds that all respondents indicate having network members both inside and outside their organizations. Insiders are more numerous than outsiders. Finally hierarchical regression analyses indicate few effects of developmental functions from network members on work and career outcomes when personal and work setting characteristics are controlled.

Exploring Simultaneous Oppressions Toward the Development of Consumer Research in the Interest of Diverse Women

In this article, the authors argue that to develop public policies that will work in the interests of diverse female consumers, it is imperative to recognize how sexism intersects with racism, classism, and heterosexism. The multiple simultaneous oppressions faced by diverse women make for vast differences in their consumption problems and the remedies they require. The authors illustrate how even consumer research that may seem to promote the interest of women actually serves privileged interests and ignores the reality of others. To move toward consumer research that will help shape public policy in the interests of diverse women, one needs to identify how research to date has enhanced the privilege of some women while neglecting or reinforcing the oppression of others. New research issues will need to be added to the agenda if the current situation is to improve.