Bodyspace at the pub: sexual orientations and organizational space

Riach, K. and Wilson, F. (2014) Bodyspace at the pub: sexual orientations and organizational space. Organization, 21(3), pp. 329-345. (doi: 10.1177/1350508413519767)

Abstract

In this article we argue that sexuality is not only an undercurrent of service environments, but is integral to the way that these workspaces are experienced and negotiated. Through drawing on Sara Ahmed’s (2006a) ‘orientation’ thesis, we develop a concept of ‘bodyspace’ to suggest that individuals understand, shape and make meaning of work spaces through complex sexually-orientated negotiations. Presenting analysis from a study of UK pubs, we explore bodyspace in the lived experience of workplace sexuality through three elements of orientation: background; bodily dwelling; and lines of directionality. Our findings show how organizational spaces afford or mitigate possibilities for particular bodies, which simultaneously shape expectations and experiences of sexuality at work. Bodyspace therefore provides one way of exposing the connection between sexual ‘orientation’ and the lived experience of service sector work.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Wilson, Professor Fiona and Riach, Professor Kathleen
• Authors: Riach, K., and Wilson, F.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > Adam Smith Business School > Management
• Journal Name: Organization
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• ISSN: 1350-5084
• ISSN (Online): 1461-7323
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2014 SAGE Publications
• First Published: First published in Organization 21(3):329-345
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher.