Quietism, Disablism and Gender-Based Discriminations in the Workplace

This book discusses a new theoretical understanding of gender-based discrimination. It introduces the concept of quietism- a form of discrimination that occurs in the workplace using gendered norms and values. Drawing on a sample of twenty-five Black disabled women in England with the genetically inherited condition of sickle cell, it uses a materialist feminist disability studies perspective and critical race theory to explore identity-based discrimination in work environments. Comprehensive yet accessible, this short volume explains how intersectionalities of identities become implicated in discriminations in: pregnancy, maternity and caring penalties; visible racisms; gendered access to the labour market and workplace norms; and even in the invisible anticipatory actions to be able to stay well and in employment. The authors explore how voices of resistance to workplace discrimination are silenced through gendered attitudes, institutionally or within office cultures, such as bullying, racism, ignoring of complaints, using sexism and lookism to reduce women to their bodies, emotional manipulation, and the stereotyping of women. The final chapter problematises legal remedies for victims of quietism and guides the reader through new forms of legal protection that should be implemented, making this an invaluable read for academics and students in gender studies, disability studies, business and management, and race studies, as well as legal and HR professionals. Maria Berghs is Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Cambridge, UK, and Director of the Unit for the Social Study of Thalassaemia and Sickle Cell (TASC), UK. She works in the field of medical anthropology and sociology, specialising in disability studies, chronic illness, and global health. Karl Atkin is Professor of Medical Sociology at the University of York, UK. With a background in qualitative ethnographic research in multidisciplinary and culturally diverse settings, his work focuses on understanding the social consequences of various long-standing, chronic conditions. Anne-marie Greene is Professor of Work and Diversity at the School for Business and Society at the University of York, UK. She is Co-Convenor of the Gender and Employment Study Group of the International Labour and Employment Relations Association.