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Colonials in Camouflage: Metonymy, mimicry and the reproduction of the colonial order in the age of diversity

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  • Thomson, Kelly
  • Jones, Joanne

Abstract

In this study we examine the narratives of international accountants migrating to Canada. We draw on postcolonial theory to theorize the mechanisms through which professionals are “othered” as they come to Canada and how, through mimicry some are able to gain recognition as professionals in the Canadian field. Our findings illustrate the barriers experienced by non-white, non-male, non-Western professionals despite the discourse of diversity that pervades the profession. Using semiotic analysis we show how metonyms are used by professionals in the field to construct an archetype of the Canadian Professional Accountant against which “foreign” professionals are implicitly assessed. Our findings illustrate how some international professionals use metonymy to overcome these barriers and reclaim their professional identity in Canada.

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  • Thomson, Kelly & Jones, Joanne, 2016. "Colonials in Camouflage: Metonymy, mimicry and the reproduction of the colonial order in the age of diversity," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 35(C), pages 58-75.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:crpeac:v:35:y:2016:i:c:p:58-75
    DOI: 10.1016/j.cpa.2015.05.001
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