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The dialectic of (menopause) zest: Breaking the mold of organizational irrelevance

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  • Camilla Quental
  • Pilar Rojas Gaviria
  • Céline del Bucchia

Abstract

Drawing from women's testimonials in The Guardian and from contributions of feminist writers, Virginia Woolf, Julia Kristeva, and Margaret Mead, we start a conversation on the positive and energizing aspects of menopause in the workplace. We propose a social interpretation of menopause that challenges a pervasive perspective of medical decline: A theorization of “the dialectic of zest,” as inspired by the writings of Margaret Mead. By problematizing the experiences of women going through this transition in the workplace, we reveal how well‐intentioned awareness campaigns can lead to further stigmatization. We thus encourage organizations to not only favor an approach of “education for all” but also extend their social imaginaries beyond medicalized perspectives and coping views. Organizations can then embrace the potential of “zest,” a positive side of menopause that remains largely unknown. We argue that organizations, inspired by a holistic view of menopause in the workplace, can creatively support the professional progressions and ambitions of not only women but also all employees.

Suggested Citation

  • Camilla Quental & Pilar Rojas Gaviria & Céline del Bucchia, 2023. "The dialectic of (menopause) zest: Breaking the mold of organizational irrelevance," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 30(5), pages 1816-1838, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:gender:v:30:y:2023:i:5:p:1816-1838
    DOI: 10.1111/gwao.13017
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Belinda Steffan, 2021. "Managing menopause at work: The contradictory nature of identity talk," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 28(1), pages 195-214, January.
    2. Leanne Cutcher, 2021. "Mothering managers: (Re)interpreting older women's organizational subjectivity," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 28(4), pages 1447-1460, July.
    3. Stern, Barbara B, 1989. "Literary Criticism and Consumer Research: Overview and Illustrative Analysis," Journal of Consumer Research, Journal of Consumer Research Inc., vol. 16(3), pages 322-334, December.
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