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Intersectional identities and career progression in retail: The experiences of minority‐ethnic women

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  • Juliet Elizabeth Kele
  • Catherine Cassell
  • Jacqueline Ford
  • Kathryn Watson

Abstract

Contributing to scholarship on diversity and inclusion (D&I) and careers within UK retailing, this paper documents the lived experiences of minority‐ethnic women working in retail. Given the extensive research on both the career obstacles faced by women in a highly feminized sector and the disadvantages experienced by minority‐ethnic workers in the UK labor market more broadly, consideration of social identity categories beyond gender and their impact on retailing careers in the existing literature is limited. Here we use intersectionality theory to explain how individual‐level identity categories, such as gender, ethnicity and religion, intersect with wider organisational practices, which disadvantage the career progression of minority‐ethnic women in UK retail. In a service‐driven sector dependent upon consumers, we conclude that there is a need to consider intersectional identity experiences and power relations within the customer‐employee relationship, as this disproportionately affects minority‐ethnic women and the realization of their career goals in retail.

Suggested Citation

  • Juliet Elizabeth Kele & Catherine Cassell & Jacqueline Ford & Kathryn Watson, 2022. "Intersectional identities and career progression in retail: The experiences of minority‐ethnic women," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 29(4), pages 1178-1198, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:gender:v:29:y:2022:i:4:p:1178-1198
    DOI: 10.1111/gwao.12830
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Quach, Sara & Jebarajakirthy, Charles & Thaichon, Park, 2017. "Aesthetic labor and visible diversity: The role in retailing service encounters," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 38(C), pages 34-43.
    3. Jenny Rodriguez & Evangelina Holvino & Joyce K. Fletcher & Stella M. Nkomo & Mayra Ruiz Castro & Evangelina Holvino, 2016. "Applying Intersectionality in Organizations: Inequality Markers, Cultural Scripts and Advancement Practices in a Professional Service Firm," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 23(3), pages 328-347, May.
    4. Adelina Broadbridge, 2008. "Barriers to ascension to senior management positions in retailing," The Service Industries Journal, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 28(9), pages 1225-1245, November.
    5. Victoria Opara & Ruth Sealy & Michelle K. Ryan, 2020. "The workplace experiences of BAME professional women: Understanding experiences at the intersection," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 27(6), pages 1192-1213, November.
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