Struggles for distinction: Classing as discursive process in UK museum work. Issue 3 (13th April 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Evans, Samantha; Whiting, Rebecca; Mackenzie Davey, Kate
• Other Names: Wickström Alice guestEditor.; Lund Rebecca W. B. guestEditor.; Meriläinen Susan guestEditor.; Sørensen Siri Øyslebø guestEditor.; Vachhani Sheena J. guestEditor.; Pullen Alison guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Gender work and organization. Volume 28:Issue 3(2021)
• Page Start: 992
• Page End: 1007
• Publication Date: 2020-04-13
• Subjects: Bourdieu -- capital -- class -- discourse -- diversity -- inequality -- museums; Sex role in the work environment -- Periodicals; Sexual division of labor -- Periodicals; Sex discrimination in employment -- Periodicals; Organizational sociology -- Periodicals; Industries -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; 306.361505
• DOI: 10.1111/gwao.12433
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0968-6673

Abstract

Abstract : This article responds to calls from critical diversity scholars to explore class in context, arguing for a view of classing as a discursive process and adopting Bourdieu's concept of field as a site of discursive struggle. Analysing interview, web and focus group data, we address this in the field of UK museum work. We contextualize the field's dynamic nature, highlighting its state of flux and explore three discourses: distinguishing the field; disavowing the market; and gaining recognition through which it is constituted, and classing practised. Discursive strategies of reinforcing, reframing and re‐valorizing were deployed by participants to legitimate their own and other positions in the field. We show how classing is a core process constituting an occupational field, how museum workers are entrapped by and complicit in this process, and conclude with wider implications for understandings of class, classed inequality and diversity.