Bridging Social Constructionism and Psychoanalysis in a Study of Workplace Emotions in India

Abstract

This article makes a contribution to the study of emotions in organizations by offering a systematic juxtaposition and cross-fertilization of psychoanalytic and social constructionist approaches. Points of similarity and tension between these two approaches are discussed in connection with two critical case studies of the experiences of Indian women: these were obtained during field work in India in which emotions were studied as they featured in workplace narratives. India offers special opportunities to researchers of workplace emotion; its unique cultural and political legacy demonstrates the benefits of bridging theoretical approaches. A combined use of both social constructionist and psychoanalytic approaches suggests that emotions in Indian workplaces are intricately embedded in both postcolonial politics and in the unique configuration of Indian family and gender dynamics. This joint application of the two perspectives illustrates how emotions at work can be understood more fully through an intricate, sometimes tense, yet ultimately stimulating dialogue.