The interaction of gender and ethnicity in career theory: a study of the pharmacy profession

Alexandra Budjanovcanin, Department of Management, King's College London

Research output: Other contribution

Abstract

It has been proposed that the unique experience of intersecting identities will shape perceptions and attitudes. This thesis explores this proposition among individuals for whom the intersection of their ethnic and gender identity may lead to distinctive experiences of work. In doing so, it increases understanding of the work-related behaviour of professional Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) women, a relatively neglected sub-group in organisational research. Preliminary investigation confirms that they have distinctive patterns of employment and working arrangements. The thesis aims to determine the cause of these observed differences, not through the oft-employed discrimination lens, but rather through a culturalist lens, which posits ethnic difference as a key shaper of BAME women's careers. Analytical models of both occupational choice and participation in work were developed based on existing literature and a qualitative study in the pharmacy profession. These models were tested in a large, cross-sectional, survey study among a sample of pharmacists. The culturalist approach to understanding BAME women's careers found some support. BAME women's occupational choice process is distinctive, characterised by their cultural tendency towards filial obligation. Distinctive features in their non-work lives also support a culturalist explanation. However, overall, the evidence for a culturalist approach to understanding professional BAME women's participation in work and subsequent outcomes is mixed. For example, biculturalism is an important aspect of the culturalist approach for both BAME women and men. Findings outside the culturalist perspective underscore the key role of occupational regret in understanding negative work-related attitudes and behaviours
Original languageEnglish
Publication statusPublished - 2011

Keywords

  • Women, Black
  • Minority women
  • Women pharmacists

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The interaction of gender and ethnicity in career theory: a study of the pharmacy profession'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this