Reflexive positioning in identity work: When the shoe does not fit…

Abstract

The interplay between work and identity has frequently been explored in work and organisational research. Therein, identity has become a multi-layered concept that is used to investigate a wide variety of phenomena in work and organisational studies. Previous studies have illustrated how work and working life is a particularly appropriate context for studying identity and identity construction. This article contributes to the field by analysing a detailed case study of a system developer, using data based on qualitative work diary in conjunction with in-depth interview. This paper explores reflexive positioning in identity work by examining the strategies undertaken when available social identities are perceived as being neither attractive nor relevant. It also explores the actions taken to expand the repertoire of available social identities in the context studied. The analysis of this case suggests that it is possible to expand the social identities that are available in discourse, but that this expansion is difficult to maintain. The worker is walking a fine line to keep alternative social identities available to him. This article contributes to the research field not only by exploring the constitutive processes in identity work but also by examining the reciprocal processes between one particular individual and the context in which he is engaged.