Journal article 698 views
The Subordination of the Feminine? - Developing a Critical Feminist Approach to the Psychoanalysis of Organisations
Sheena Vachhani
Organization Studies, Volume: 33, Issue: 9, Pages: 1237 - 1255
Swansea University Author: Sheena Vachhani
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DOI (Published version): 10.1177/0170840612448159
Abstract
This paper investigates the intersections between psychoanalysis and feminist thinking as they may be applied to organisation studies by problematising sexual difference. By critically engaging with the influence of (primarily Lacanian) psychoanalysis, I explore feminist psychoanalytic approaches wi...
| Published in: | Organization Studies |
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| ISSN: | 0170-8406 |
| Published: |
Sage Publications
2012
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| Online Access: |
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| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa6761 |
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| Abstract: |
This paper investigates the intersections between psychoanalysis and feminist thinking as they may be applied to organisation studies by problematising sexual difference. By critically engaging with the influence of (primarily Lacanian) psychoanalysis, I explore feminist psychoanalytic approaches with their close attention to patriarchy and phallocentrism. More specifically, I engage with the work of Luce Irigaray whose influential role in French feminist philosophy has occupied what could be termed a difficult or sacrificial position in Lacanian psychoanalysis. I argue that the focus of psychoanalysis on the Phallus as a primary signifier may be fruitfully problematised through a feminist lens (Grosz, 1990), conceived here through Irigaray, and that its usefulness for organisational analysis depends on an ability to recognise, invite and attend to its gendered core. It is argued that Irigaray brings fruitful resources to this debate. Irigaray is concerned with the significant political and ethical dilemmas resulting from the systematic suppression of femininity and this is why her work is significant for a better understanding of gender relations in organisations relating to the exclusion of women, and for new spaces of symbolisation and representation. My discussion reveals that by scrutinizing sexual differences that constitute the subject, one is able to unearth implications for the study of organisations. |
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| Item Description: |
<p>Formally accepted for publication. Publication date: September 2012.</p><p>4* ABS ranked journal.</p> |
| Keywords: |
feminisms, Irigaray, sexual difference, identification, subject, psychoanalysis. |
| College: |
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Issue: |
9 |
| Start Page: |
1237 |
| End Page: |
1255 |