Diverse Stories of Diversity: Expanding Perspectives on Underexplored Dimensions of Diversity

Abstract

At the core of “creating a better world together” is being able to work side by side, acknowledging our differences and embracing the strengths and challenges of a diverse and inclusive workplace. Recent events have shown how important diversity and inclusion is to societies and organizations: one can still hear the voices echoing in the growing social movements related to #BlackLivesMatter, #TimesUp, #MeToo, and others reminding us that the work of diversity and inclusion is only beginning. Events in the last several years alone have forced organizations to rethink diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, leading in some cases to radical policy and practice changes. Our symposium has two goals: investigate differences in sources of diversity through a set of theoretical and empirical papers; and discussing the possible connections and overlaps between findings to push the boundaries of the diversity and inclusion literature. Ideal workers and ideal bodies: How workers in pain navigate stigma in an able-bodied workplace Presenter: Kimberly Rocheville; Creighton U. Presenter: Elana Feldman; UMass Lowell Understanding the experiences of formerly incarcerated jobseekers with employment reentry programs Presenter: Audrey Holm; Boston U. ‘Talking about my Generation’: Generational labels and Meaningful work Presenter: Gabriel Robert Sala; Boston College Presenter: Greg Fetzer; U. of Liverpool A Proud Struggle? Alternative Pathways to Professional Dignity Amidst Occupational Inequality Presenter: Tomi Koljonen; U. of Liverpool Presenter: Joona Koistinen; Aalto U. School of Business