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Countering Heteronormativity; Lesbians and Wellbeing in the Workplace

  • Chapter
Handbook on Well-Being of Working Women

Part of the book series: International Handbooks of Quality-of-Life ((IHQL))

Abstract

The aim of this chapter is to examine the ways in which lesbians manage their identity in the heteronormative environment of the workplace and to consider the impact sexual orientation has on wellbeing at work. A comprehensive review of the extant literature and theory forms the basis of the discussion, illustrated by examples from previous studies.

Identity negotiation is a key issue and lesbians face the constant pressure of identity management. This is not simply a personal perspective but a defence mechanism to counter the heteronormative culture within organisations.

The chapter can assist HRD professionals and leaders in developing organisation cultures which embrace and include difference and help obviate oppression. It may also be of interest to researchers and policy makers in the fields of diversity and equality and LGB issues and to students of organizational studies, gender and management as well as social audiences including LGBT individuals, activist groups and support groups. Wider understanding of sexual orientation issues in the workplace may help leverage greater tolerance and acceptance. As well as practical guidance for organisations developing more inclusive diversity policies and programmes, future directions for research are proposed.

This chapter focuses on lesbians and therefore draws on information and research relating to lesbian, gay and bisexual people, referred to as LGB. Some sources mentioned may also refer to Transgender individuals as well, in which case this is indicated by the use of LGBT.

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Suggested Further Reading

  • Sexual Orientation at Work: Contemporary Issues and Perspectives (2014), Fiona Colgan and Nick Rumens (Eds), Routledge, London, UK – this book brings together contemporary international research on sexual orientation and draws out its implications for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and heterosexual employees and managers. It provides new empirical and theoretical insights into sexual orientation employment discrimination and equality work in countries such as South Africa, Turkey, Australia, Austria, Canada, US and the UK.

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  1. Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

    Helen Woodruffe-Burton

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Correspondence to Helen Woodruffe-Burton .

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  1. Department of Management College of Business Administration, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa, USA

    Mary L. Connerley

  2. Department of Management and Marketing School of Management, Rhode Island College, Providence, Rhode Island, USA

    Jiyun Wu

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Woodruffe-Burton, H. (2016). Countering Heteronormativity; Lesbians and Wellbeing in the Workplace. In: Connerley, M., Wu, J. (eds) Handbook on Well-Being of Working Women. International Handbooks of Quality-of-Life. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-9897-6_4

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