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‘To prove I’m not incapable, I overcompensate’: Disability, ideal workers, the academy

Author

Listed:
  • Elizabeth Humphrys

    (University of Technology Sydney, Australia)

  • Jess Rodgers
  • Nicole L Asquith

    (University of Tasmania, Australia)

  • Sally Anne Yaghi
  • Ashleigh Foulstone

    (Private practice, Australia)

  • Ryan Thorneycroft

    (Western Sydney University, Australia)

  • Peta S Cook

    (University of Tasmania, Australia)

Abstract

The experiences of academics with disability have received modest but growing attention internationally, but virtually none in the Australian context. This article outlines research findings from a study examining their experiences at a large Australian university. The article uses a materialist framework to demonstrate how capitalist social relations shape and demarcate an ‘ideal university worker’, how disabled workers find it difficult to meet this norm, and the limited assistance to do so provided by managers and labour relations policy frameworks. The research findings point to a profound policy gap between employer and government disability policy inclusion frameworks and the workplace experience of academics. This breach requires further investigation and, potentially, the development of alternate strategies for workplace management of disabilities if there are to be inroads towards equity. JEL codes: Z13

Suggested Citation

  • Elizabeth Humphrys & Jess Rodgers & Nicole L Asquith & Sally Anne Yaghi & Ashleigh Foulstone & Ryan Thorneycroft & Peta S Cook, 2022. "‘To prove I’m not incapable, I overcompensate’: Disability, ideal workers, the academy," The Economic and Labour Relations Review, , vol. 33(4), pages 698-714, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ecolab:v:33:y:2022:i:4:p:698-714
    DOI: 10.1177/10353046221125642
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Anonymous, 2016. "Notes from the Editors," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 110(1), pages 1-1, February.
    2. Anonymous, 2016. "Notes from the Editors," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 110(4), pages 1-1, November.
    3. Erin Reid, 2015. "Embracing, Passing, Revealing, and the Ideal Worker Image: How People Navigate Expected and Experienced Professional Identities," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 26(4), pages 997-1017, August.
    4. Anonymous, 2016. "Notes from the Editors," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 110(2), pages 1-1, May.
    5. Anonymous, 2016. "Notes from the Editors," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 110(3), pages 1-1, August.
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    JEL classification:

    • Z13 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Economic Sociology; Economic Anthropology; Language; Social and Economic Stratification

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