Challenging and reinforcing gender boundaries at work
In: Equality, diversity and inclusion: an international journal, Band 31, Heft 7, S. 633-645
ISSN: 2040-7157
PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse management and employee experiences of gender divisions at work and to reflect on gender boundaries using the method of democratic dialogue. It also considers the use of experiences in efforts supporting workplace democracy.Design/methodology/approachFinnish action research project sought to promote both gender equality and democratic dialogue. Content analysis is applied on group discussions on promoting gender equality at work.FindingsGender divisions in organizations were widely recognized. Challenges arose from the incompatibility of images of gender and gendered images of work. Participants' perspectives varied depending on their hierarchical position.Research limitations/implicationsDemocratic dialogue provides tools to approach sensitive topics that need special attention in promoting gender equality.Practical implicationsWork organizations need to use forums that bring together management and employee perspectives with a gender‐sensitive approach to support workplace democracy.Originality/valueThe paper shows that, to enable change, the understandings of gender and gender equality have to be negotiated on the local level and in a way that connects to participants' realities and experiences.