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Catch-22: Token Women Trying to Reconcile Impossible Contradictions between Organisational and Societal Expectations

Author

Listed:
  • Maryam Aldossari

    (Aston Business School, UK (from 7th of October, 2021))

  • Sara Chaudhry

    (Birkbeck, University of London, UK (from 1st of September, 2021))

  • Ahu Tatli

    (Queen Mary University of London, UK)

  • Cathrine Seierstad

    (University of South-Eastern Norway, Norway)

Abstract

Extending tokenism theory, and Kanter’s work on numerical representation within organisations, we emphasise the societal context of gender inequality in order to understand token women’s lived experiences at work. Based on analysis of 29 in-depth interviews in a multinational (MNC) situated in the distinctive socio-institutional setting of Saudi Arabia, the article expands Kanter’s typology of roles, to capture token assimilation in a context-embedded way. In particular, we explore the interaction of a seemingly Western MNC espousing liberal values, rules and norms with the enduring patriarchal and traditional context of Saudi Arabia. Further adding texture to Kanter’s theory, this study reveals that the organisational context cannot be seen as fundamentally neutral and inevitably interacts with the societal context, resulting in unique manifestations of tokenism.

Suggested Citation

  • Maryam Aldossari & Sara Chaudhry & Ahu Tatli & Cathrine Seierstad, 2023. "Catch-22: Token Women Trying to Reconcile Impossible Contradictions between Organisational and Societal Expectations," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 37(1), pages 39-57, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:woemps:v:37:y:2023:i:1:p:39-57
    DOI: 10.1177/09500170211035940
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Mariateresa Torchia & Andrea Calabrò & Morten Huse, 2011. "Women Directors on Corporate Boards: From Tokenism to Critical Mass," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 102(2), pages 299-317, August.
    2. Muhammad Ayaz & Muhammad Junaid Ashraf & Trevor Hopper, 2019. "Precariousness, Gender, Resistance and Consent in the Face of Global Production Network’s ‘Reforms’ of Pakistan’s Garment Manufacturing Industry," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 33(6), pages 895-912, December.
    3. Marita Haas & Sabine T. Koeszegi & Eva Zedlacher, 2016. "Breaking Patterns? How Female Scientists Negotiate their Token Role in their Life Stories," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 23(4), pages 397-413, July.
    4. Sana Naseem & Kamini Dhruva, 2017. "Issues and Challenges of Saudi Female Labor Force and the Role of Vision 2030: A Working Paper," International Journal of Economics and Financial Issues, Econjournals, vol. 7(4), pages 23-27.
    5. Sophie Hennekam & Loubna Tahssain-Gay & Jawad Syed, 2017. "Contextualising diversity management in the Middle East and North Africa: a relational perspective," Post-Print hal-01794394, HAL.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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