"On becoming a gay faculty: Locating agency in the academe" by Michael Eduard L. Labayandoy

On becoming a gay faculty: Locating agency in the academe

Date of Publication

8-1-2019

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology

Subject Categories

Gender and Sexuality

College

College of Liberal Arts

Department/Unit

Behavioral Sciences

Thesis Adviser

Dennis S. Erasga

Defense Panel Chair

Romeo B. Lee

Defense Panel Member

Diana Therese M. Veloso
Mary Janet M. Arnado
Marlon D. Era
Jesusa M. Marco

Abstract/Summary

The field of organizational studies is well-established, but it is criticized for not problematizing gender enough. The theory of gendered organization addresses this concern. The growing application of the said theory, however, mostly focuses on women and lacks emphasis on the role of agency. This dissertation therefore examines the manifestations and impacts of gendered organization and heteronormativity on thirty self-identified gay faculty. The in-depth interview reveals that even though the academe is becoming more conducive for gender minorities, discriminations, stereotypes, and amplified malice are still widely felt by the participants. Masculinity reigns supreme which in turn devalues femininity. Participants comply to masculine standards and exhibit calculated disclosures and strategies to deal with the environment. To become a “professional gay faculty” therefore is to first overcome three big hurdles: show competence, gain respect and acceptance, and distance oneself from male students to avoid gossips. Although the academe powerfully perpetuates inequality and privileges masculinity, this dissertation unpacks four types of agency, with the proactive type as the most potent tool. This dissertation also offers insights on how to further nuance the utilization of the theory of gendered organization and how and why problematizing agency matters for emancipatory fields like education, gender, and sexuality studies.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Accession Number

CDTG008252

Keywords

Gay college teachers

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Embargo Period

3-30-2025

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