A1 Journal article (refereed)
"Stop whining and be a badass" : A postfeminist analysis of university students' responses to gender themes (2021)
Kivijärvi, M. (2021). "Stop whining and be a badass" : A postfeminist analysis of university students' responses to gender themes. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, 40(6), 690-707. https://doi.org/10.1108/edi-08-2020-0219
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Kivijärvi, Marke
Journal or series: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
ISSN: 2040-7149
eISSN: 2040-7157
Publication year: 2021
Volume: 40
Issue number: 6
Pages range: 690-707
Publisher: Emerald
Publication country: United Kingdom
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/edi-08-2020-0219
Publication open access: Openly available
Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/74848
Abstract
This paper critically examines how female students at a Finnish business school understand gender in management.
Design/methodology/approach
The analysis is based on female students' learning diaries from a basic management course.
Findings
The findings show how students respond to the topic of gender inequality through a neoliberal postfeminist discourse. The students' discourse is structured around three discursive moves: (1) rejecting “excessive” feminism, (2) articulating self-reliant professional futures and (3) producing idealized role models through successfully integrating masculinity and femininity.
Originality/value
This article contributes to current understanding of the role of postfeminist sensibilities in shaping student participation in the management profession. Awareness of students' responses to gender-equality initiatives offers management educators insight into the inclusion of equality topics in teaching in ways that support equal gender socialization in the management profession.
Keywords: management education; schools of economics and business administration; students; leadership (properties); equality (values); feminism; neoliberalism; gender roles; stereotypies; discourse research
Free keywords: gender; discourse; postfeminism; management education; university students; professionalization
Contributing organizations
Related projects
- (No) space for feminism? Gender and postfeminist sensibilities in male-dominated organizations
- Kivijärvi, Marke
- Research Council of Finland
Ministry reporting: Yes
Reporting Year: 2021
JUFO rating: 1