Patterns of Women's Participation in Voluntary Associations

Women on upper-class hospital boards in Chicago belong to more, more prestigeful, and more metropolitan associations than do women on middle-class boards. They join their boards earlier, enjoy greater gratification, are more active, and are more commited to the board. The board role is linked to family and class responsibilities for the upper-class woman, whereas it is subordinate and supplementary to the domestic role for the middle-class woman.