Exploring Women’s Experiences of Wellbeing in Rural CWS: Evidence from Italy and Austria
摘要
Women in rural areas experience gender inequalities differently compared to those in urban settings. Gender inequalities in European rural areas are conditioned by structural challenges, such as limited workplace accessibility, long commutes, and insufficient public services like childcare. The rise of collaborative workspaces (CWS) in rural areas, driven by the knowledge economy and remote work, has provided new opportunities for female professionals. These spaces serve both as workplaces and social hubs, contributing to wellbeing through social interaction. Based on in-depth interviews with female CWS users in Austria and Italy, this chapter explores women’s experiences of wellbeing in CWS. On the one hand, CWS may offer a separate space away from home, which is often a site of unpaid labour. On the other, these spaces may host reciprocal care practices. Drawing on women’s narratives, this chapter offers some insights into the experiences of women in rural CWS which have remained overlooked in the literature so far.