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Conceptualising Work as a ‘Safe Space’ for Negotiating LGBT Identities: Navigating Careers in the Construction Sector

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Listed:
  • Sarah Barnard

    (Loughborough University, UK)

  • Andrew Dainty

    (Manchester Metropolitan University, UK)

  • Sian Lewis

    (University of Plymouth, UK)

  • Andreas Culora

    (Ecorys, UK)

Abstract

Despite sustained focus in recent years on understanding the experiences of underrepresented groups in construction, there has been a paucity of work that has explored the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) workers. Research has shown homophobia is commonplace in the construction industry and very few gay employees feel able to be open about their sexuality. Using qualitative data garnered from 16 in-depth interviews and a focus group with LGBT workers in the UK construction sector, this article analyses how participants negotiate identities at work and navigate their careers. Drawing on the concept of heteronormativity we consider how organisational contexts frame, constrict and liberate identities in the workplace. Significantly, our findings show that despite enduring heteronormative structures, work was described by participants as a ‘safe space’. By demonstrating how workers assess, move between and create ‘safe spaces’, this article contributes novel insights into the challenging of heteronormativity in heteronormative work contexts.

Suggested Citation

  • Sarah Barnard & Andrew Dainty & Sian Lewis & Andreas Culora, 2023. "Conceptualising Work as a ‘Safe Space’ for Negotiating LGBT Identities: Navigating Careers in the Construction Sector," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 37(6), pages 1565-1582, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:woemps:v:37:y:2023:i:6:p:1565-1582
    DOI: 10.1177/09500170221090164
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    3. Katherine B. Coffman & Lucas C. Coffman & Keith M. Marzilli Ericson, 2017. "The Size of the LGBT Population and the Magnitude of Antigay Sentiment Are Substantially Underestimated," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 63(10), pages 3168-3186, October.
    4. Erin A. Cech & Michelle V. Pham, 2017. "Queer in STEM Organizations: Workplace Disadvantages for LGBT Employees in STEM Related Federal Agencies," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 6(1), pages 1-22, February.
    5. Rumens, Nick, 2016. "Sexualities and accounting: A queer theory perspective," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 35(C), pages 111-120.
    6. Nick Rumens, 2013. "Queering men and masculinities in construction: towards a research agenda," Construction Management and Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 31(8), pages 802-815, August.
    7. Thomas Calvard & Michelle O’Toole & Hannah Hardwick, 2020. "Rainbow Lanyards: Bisexuality, Queering and the Corporatisation of LGBT Inclusion," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 34(2), pages 356-368, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Lisa de Vries, 2024. "Job Attribute Preferences of Sexual Minority People: The Role of Past Discrimination and Safe Havens," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-18, February.

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