Understanding the Complexities of Leadership and Intersectionality in Women in Tourism Research: A Conceptual Analysis

Women in leadership positions in the tourism industry have been the subject of research for several decades. However, much of this research has focused on the experiences of White, middle-class women. This narrow focus has resulted in excluding women from diverse backgrounds and their unique experiences of leadership in the tourism industry. Intersectionality, a theoretical framework that recognizes the overlapping and interconnected nature of social identities provides the lens through which to examine the complex experiences of women in leadership roles in tourism. This conceptual study explores the dynamics and their relations within the leadership construct and the application of intersectionality in women in leadership tourism research. It recognizes that social identities such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and class intersect and interact to shape an individual's experiences. The paper is structured in four moments: acknowledging intersectionality's importance in feminist studies, identifying critical components of leadership conceptualization, detecting gaps in the literature, and embracing reflexivity toward gender in leadership research. It can be concluded that gender in leadership analysis needs a broader understanding from a conceptual perspective. Implementing intersectionality theory provides a valuable framework to comprehend the complex experiences of women in leadership positions in the tourism industry. Applying an intersectional lens to women in leadership tourism research can shed light on women's experiences from diverse backgrounds and their unique challenges.