Occupational Segregation Research: Queering the Conversation

Scholars of gender, work, and organization have long been concerned with developing explanations to occupational segregation; that is, the segregation of work by socially significant forms of difference such as sex and race. In this article, I argue that extant occupational segregation research is limited by its reliance upon binary thinking, as well as its neglect of forms of difference other than sex and race. In order to rethink this line of research, I develop a new approach to occupational segregation that is rooted in queer theory. The queer approach to occupational segregation research that I develop entails: (1) examining occupational segregation beyond the multiple binaries upon which extant occupational segregation research is premised; (2) conceptualizing and operationalizing difference as being performatively accomplished in everyday occupational and organizational life; (3) articulating a politics of occupational segregation that challenges dominant notions of group identity and exposes within-group inequalities and marginalization; and (4) expanding the repertoire of methods through which we conduct occupational segregation research. I conclude this article by discussing how queer theory can enable us to rethink not only occupational segregation research, but also the study of gender, work and organization.