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Trans People in the Workplace: Possibilities for Subverting Heteronormativity

Trans People in the Workplace: Possibilities for Subverting Heteronormativity This article explores possible subversions of heteronormativity through transgender performativity in the workplace. Drawing on insights from Judith Butler we focus on how employees construct (un)intelligible subject positions that can create ‘moments’ of subversion, which go against the disciplinary, powerful and normative gender binary. We explore this possibility through an analysis of qualitative material generated through encounters with 11 Italian trans workers. Our analysis shows that subversion manifests in diverse ways according to how individual performativities combine with organisational context. Within this diversity we highlight three moments of subversion: subversion through intrigue; subversion through incongruence; and subversion through betrayal. We argue that where transgender identity contrasts strongly with gender norms, subversion is most intense. The subversion of strongly heteronormative working contexts is difficult as moments of subversion are unpredictable, varied and can come at personal cost, but are necessary in order to accommodate different gender identities. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Work Employment and Society SAGE

Trans People in the Workplace: Possibilities for Subverting Heteronormativity

Work Employment and Society , Volume OnlineFirst: 1 – Jan 1, 2023

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References (36)

Publisher
SAGE
Copyright
© The Author(s) 2023
ISSN
0950-0170
eISSN
1469-8722
DOI
10.1177/09500170231155059
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

This article explores possible subversions of heteronormativity through transgender performativity in the workplace. Drawing on insights from Judith Butler we focus on how employees construct (un)intelligible subject positions that can create ‘moments’ of subversion, which go against the disciplinary, powerful and normative gender binary. We explore this possibility through an analysis of qualitative material generated through encounters with 11 Italian trans workers. Our analysis shows that subversion manifests in diverse ways according to how individual performativities combine with organisational context. Within this diversity we highlight three moments of subversion: subversion through intrigue; subversion through incongruence; and subversion through betrayal. We argue that where transgender identity contrasts strongly with gender norms, subversion is most intense. The subversion of strongly heteronormative working contexts is difficult as moments of subversion are unpredictable, varied and can come at personal cost, but are necessary in order to accommodate different gender identities.

Journal

Work Employment and SocietySAGE

Published: Jan 1, 2023

Keywords: gender performativity; heteronormativity; heterosexual matrix; Judith Butler; subversion; trans people

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