“Said and done” vs. “saying and doing”: Gendering practices, practicing gender at work

AutorIn
Martin, Patricia Y.

Jahr
2003

in
Gender & Society 2003 17: 342-366

Ort
Thousand Oaks, USA

Typ der Publikation
Journal

Schlagworte
Organisationstheorie, agency, Soziologie

Internetseite
gas.sagepub.com/content/vol17/issue3/

Datum des letzten Aufrufs
15.11.2007

Abstract
Recently, the study of gender has focused on processes by which gender is brought into social relations through interaction. This article explores implications of a two-sided dynamic—gendering practices and practicing of gender—for understanding gendering processes in formal organizations. Using stories from interviews and participant observation in multinational corporations, the author explores the practicing of gender at work. She defines practicing gender as a moving phenomenon that is done quickly, directionally (in time), and (often) nonreflexively; is informed (often) by liminal awareness; and is in concert with others. She notes how other conceptions of gender dynamics and practice inform the analysis and argues that adequate conceptualization (and potential elimination) of harmful aspects of gendering practices/practicing will require attention to (1) agency, intentionality, awareness, and reflexivity; (2) positions, power, and experience; and (3) choice, accountability, and audience. She calls for incorporating the "sayings and doings" of gender into organization theory and research.