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Theorizing postfeminist communities: How gender‐inclusive meetups address gender inequity in high‐tech industries

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  • Larissa Petrucci

Abstract

Through a qualitative analysis of gender‐inclusive meetup groups in the US technology sector, this article offers a theory of postfeminist communities to identify how community organizing can take a postfeminist turn. Gender‐inclusive meetups are public, often free groups or organizations where participants have access to training, mentorship and support. Groups import postfeminist values of choice, empowerment, individualism and entrepreneurship into their community organizing efforts to address workplace gender inequities. Groups employ three strategies to improve the status of women and non‐binary people in the tech industry: (i) organizing a supportive community rooted in professionalism and entrepreneurialism; (ii) offering skills development in a safe environment; and (iii) training participants on how to take individual action against discrimination. While postfeminist communities are able to successfully cultivate supportive groups of participants who organize outside of the workplace, strategies focused on individual‐level changes ultimately do little to disrupt organization‐level gender inequities.

Suggested Citation

  • Larissa Petrucci, 2020. "Theorizing postfeminist communities: How gender‐inclusive meetups address gender inequity in high‐tech industries," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 27(4), pages 545-564, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:gender:v:27:y:2020:i:4:p:545-564
    DOI: 10.1111/gwao.12440
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    1. Dinara Tokbaeva & Leona Achtenhagen, 2023. "Career resilience of female professionals in the male‐dominated IT industry in Sweden: Toward a process perspective," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 30(1), pages 223-262, January.

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