Queer Theory and Organizational Studies: Reviewing Identity Concepts

Queer theory initially developed in the nineties in the social sciences and humanities, especially in literary and linguistic studies, and was later incorporated into organizational studies. However, despite its application to organizational studies there is a lack of debate about its concepts and meanings. Thus, this article aims to deepen and review the debate about the concepts and meanings related to queer theory, focusing on the concepts related to identity and subjectivity production. To fulfill this purpose queer concepts about identity, subject, performativity, performance and identification are presented and discussed. It is argued that queer theory is a verb (action) rather than a noun (identity) and the application of its concepts is not only restricted to studies on gender, sexuality and minorities. Finally, the paper discusses the expansion of the application of queer concepts to other forms of hegemonic identity categories present in the corporate world of work.