A1 Journal article (refereed)
Appearance-based discrimination against young women in the workplace (2023)
Lämsä, A.-M., Ojasoo, M., Jyrkinen, M., & Pučėtaitė, R. (2023). Appearance-based discrimination against young women in the workplace. Qualitative Research in Organizations and Management, 18(2). https://doi.org/10.1108/qrom-02-2022-2292
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Lämsä, Anna-Maija; Ojasoo, Merle; Jyrkinen, Marjut; Pučėtaitė, Raminta
Journal or series: Qualitative Research in Organizations and Management
ISSN: 1746-5648
eISSN: 1746-5656
Publication year: 2023
Publication date: 15/06/2023
Volume: 18
Issue number: 2
Publisher: Emerald
Publication country: United Kingdom
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/qrom-02-2022-2292
Publication open access: Not open
Publication channel open access: Channel is not openly available
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/88831
Abstract
Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative case study strategy and narrative inquiry were used. The information which was gathered for the research consists of three cases which concern appearance-based discrimination against young women. Information for two of the cases was gathered together by means of open interviews. Information for the third case is based on articles which were found in Estonian daily newspapers.
Findings – Covert and overt discrimination based on an employee’s physical appearance can occur in Estonian workplaces, even though discrimination and inequality are not tolerated in public and all forms of discrimination are illegal in Estonia. The appearance norms, which frame perceptions of attractiveness and unattractiveness, may at times be rather narrow and stereotypical in Estonian workplaces. The attempts by employees to resist such discrimination in an early phase of the employees’ careers are generally not successful.
Originality/value – Through real-life cases, this study makes empirically visible a problem at the workplace related to employees’ physical appearance in Estonia. This study makes suggestions for preventing this kind of discrimination in organisations. Narrative inquiry offers a fruitful approach for how researchers can address a sensitive problem, such as the appearance-based discrimination against the employees discussed in this study.
Keywords: gender; discrimination; ethicality; woman's status; narrative analysis; case study; women
Free keywords: appearance; case study; discrimination; ethical problem; Estonia; gender; narrative inquiry; woman
Contributing organizations
Ministry reporting: Yes
Reporting Year: 2023
Preliminary JUFO rating: 1
