Sexual Minority Young Adults’ Experiences of Heteronormativity in Contemporary US Workplaces

• In Event: 1466 - Section on the Sociology of Sexualities Roundtables (1 hour)
  In Refereed Roundtable 60min: 5. Sexualities and Economies

Abstract

In recent years, important legal and policy changes have occurred to protect sexual minority workers’ rights and improve their work experiences, but little is known about whether these changes have improved workplace climates. This study sought to examine the extent and forms of heteronormativity that sexual minority young adults today experience in their workplaces. Analysis of in-depth interviews showed that while unsubtle, traditional forms of heteronormativity persisted in workplaces, new forms of heteronormativity emerged due to the social context that allows sexual minorities to disclose and openly discuss their sexualities. Workplace heteronormativity perpetuated through status hierarchy, task procedures, and rules and informal rituals in workplaces, highlighting the importance of organizational structure and processes as mechanisms that produce and reproduce heteronormativity.

Authors

• Koji Ueno, Florida State University

• Emily Šaras, Florida State University

• Jessi Grace, Florida State University

• Randi B. Ingram, Florida State University

• Taylor Jackson, Florida State University