Axes and fluidity of oppression in the workplace: Intersectionality of race, gender, and sexuality

Abstract

Our research explores how the historically institutionalized and authoritarian discriminatory South African context continues to affect the experiences of LGBT mid-level managers in the workplace. South Africa provides a rich environment to explore “axes of oppression” (heteronormativity/homophobia, race/racism, gender/sexism), and how these manifest and impact on participants’ work experience. Bringing together intersectionality as an analytical strategy with identity work allows us to examine the interaction between identities and the institutionalized processes by which they are shaped. Our findings show a multifaceted fluidity of oppression where individuals can move between continuums of advantage and disadvantage. We demonstrate the importance of historically embedded modes of oppression within the theory of intersectionality and how this manifests in institutional and organizational practices. As a result, organizations, institutions, and individuals play a role in reproducing inequality through intricate systems of oppression at micro, meso, and macro levels. This affects how individuals draw on their intersecting identities to respond to and decipher encounters with others.

Gender diversity and sexual orientation in the South African workplace

“…In sectors like mining (Dlamini, 2006;Maake et al, 2023;Niehaus, 2002), construction (English & Le Jeune, 2012) and engineering (Bowen et al, 2021) that are traditionally male-dominated, policy and practice can diverge widely for females and gender non-conforming identities. While many companies have inclusive human resources policies on paper, the shop floor often tells a different story (Luiz & Terziev, 2022). For instance, transgender individuals frequently face barriers in accessing gender-appropriate bathroom facilities despite official policies that should guarantee this right (Patel, 2017).…”

Inclusion Needs Through the Lens of Intersectionality: Evidence supporting The 8-Inclusion Needs of All People Framework

“…Critical diversity studies have extended this inquiry to investigate the impact of intersecting identities, presenting numerous potential combinations of these intersections. Examples of intersectional studies include gender and ethnicity (Parker et al, 2022), race and LGBTQI+ (Luiz & Terziev, 2022), and Indigenous identity coupled with disability (Puszka et al, 2022). While it is essential to research and gauge diversity and inclusion to comprehend individuals' experiences and the consequences of discrimination and exclusion, a discernible research gap on operationalizable ways to address intersectionality in efforts to address discrimination persists.…”