Disrupting Ideal Worker Norms in Student Affairs Practice: An Analysis of Latina/o/x Mid-Level Practitioners

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session Twelve
  In Roundtable Session: Beyond the Bachelors: Exploring the Experiences of Latina/o/x Gradaute Students, Researchers, and Staff (Table 9)

Abstract

This paper focuses on how 23 Latinx/a/o mid-level student affairs professionals navigated work environments steeped in ideal worker norms.We uncovered how participants a) articulated the ideal worker narrative; b) how they made meaning of this narrative as they contemplated their career goals in the student affairs profession; and c) whether there are distinct differences in how Latinx/a/o administrators perceive their work pre-and during COVID-19. Drawing from a conceptual framework of ideal worker norms and inequality regimes, we found instances when Latinx/a/o administrators resisted and, at times, reproduced excessive work demands amid hostile work environments. Implications from a potential variation of ideal worker norms specific to racially and ethnically minoritized professionals are discussed.

Authors

• Juanita Ariza, University of Maryland
  Presenting Author

• Michelle Espino Lira, University of Maryland
  Presenting Author