A1 Journal article (refereed)
Conforming to and resisting imposed identities : An autoethnography on academic motherhood (2022)
Krysa, I., & Kivijärvi, M. (2022). Conforming to and resisting imposed identities : An autoethnography on academic motherhood. Qualitative Research in Organizations and Management, 17(3), 357-375. https://doi.org/10.1108/qrom-07-2021-2175
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Krysa, Isabella; Kivijärvi, Marke
Journal or series: Qualitative Research in Organizations and Management
ISSN: 1746-5648
eISSN: 1746-5656
Publication year: 2022
Volume: 17
Issue number: 3
Pages range: 357-375
Publisher: Emerald
Publication country: United Kingdom
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/qrom-07-2021-2175
Publication open access: Not open
Publication channel open access:
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/82125
Abstract
This research attempts to make sense of the experiences of two academic women who become
mothers.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper is an autoethnography. Applying the autoethnographic method allows us to discuss
cultural phenomena through personal reflections and experiences. Our autoethnographic
reflections illustrate our struggles and attempts of resistance within discursive spaces where
motherhood and our identity as academics intersect.
Findings
Our personal experiences combined with theoretical elaborations illuminate how the role of the
mother continues to be dominated by such gendered discursive practices that conflict with the
work role. Once women become mothers, they are othered through societal and organizational
practices because they constitute a visible deviation from the masculine norm in the
organizational setting, academia included.
Originality
This paper explores how contemporary motherhood discourse(s)within academia and the wider
society present competing truth claims, embedded in neoliberal and postfeminist cultural
sensibility. Our autoethnographic reflections show our struggles and attempts of resistance
within such discursive spaces.
Keywords: working life; gendering; gender; gender roles; maternity; family life; equality (values); feminism; neoliberalism; woman's status; autoethnography
Contributing organizations
Ministry reporting: Yes
Reporting Year: 2022
JUFO rating: 1
