Internalized masculinity and women's discourse: A critical analysis of the (Re)production of masculinity in organizations

Abstract

This study examines the discursive construction of masculine subjectivities in organizations and highlights ways in which the categories of men and masculinity are frequently central to feminist analyses, but remain taken for granted, hidden and unexamined. Generally, once men's dominance or the patriarchy is noted in studies men seem to disappear from the analyses. The study problematizes masculinity and explores the ways in which women negotiate their identities by internalizing masculine values and norms through their discursive choices in their organizational roles. Five in‐depth interviews were conducted with Black women managers who live in Jamaica. The participants’ discourse reveals ways in which they contribute to the construction of a more hegemonic and resistant patriarchy through their use of language and other discursive choices as managers. Implications for feminist theory and research are also discussed.

Key concepts:

• internalized masculinity
• discourse
• hegemonic masculinity
• feminisms