Conceptualising Work as a 'Safe Space' for Negotiating LGBT Identities

Navigating Careers in the Construction Sector

Bibliographic Data

ID2374645
AuthorsSue Barnard (0000-0002-7469-5357, Loughborough University, corresponding author), Andrew Dainty (Manchester Metropolitan University), Andrew R Jdainty (0000-0002-9317-1356, Manchester Metropolitan University), Sian Lewis (0000-0001-7857-0925, University of Plymouth), Andreas Culora (0000-0003-4938-8619, Ecorys, UK)
Year2023
Volume37
Issue6
Pages1565-1582
Publication date2023-12-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueWork Employment and Society (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0950-0170 • E-ISSN: 1469-8722
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/09500170221090164
OpenAlexW4293758686
LanguageEN
Citations received12
References cited63

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

Focus group · Heteronormativity · Human sexuality · Lesbian · Negotiation · Political science · Public relations · Qualitative research · Queer · Social science · Sociology · Transgender · Work (physics · Engineering · Gender Diversity and Inequality · Gender Studies · Labor Movements and Unions · LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy

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