Relational reforms: unpacking the gendered load

IMPACT: This article unpacks how culturally embedded gendered expectations may constrain the effectiveness of relational reforms and exacerbate inequities if left unaddressed. Policy-makers, leaders and line managers must consider how these expectations affect the funding, delivery and evaluation of public services when implementing personalized, relationship-oriented approaches. Recognizing the influence of gender ‘scripts’ across public service systems, providers, and communities is crucial for understanding how resources, power, and labour are distributed. Failure to do so may result in labour being disproportionately allocated to women and services associated with ‘feminine’ identities without adequate funding. The authors emphasize the need for policy-makers, public leaders (for example headteachers), and researchers to fully recognize and value relational work, which is often overlooked, even by proponents of relational approaches.