Understanding Organizational Inequality through Queer Theorizing

Sean Kenney
Department of Communication, College of Media, Communication
and Information (CMCI), University of Colorado Boulder


Description:
This talk seeks to examine persistent issues of organizational inequality and oppression through the lens of queer theorizing. In its engagement with norms, normativity, and radical difference, queer theorizing provides helpful frameworks for not only understanding the inequitable status quo, but also for envisioning different forms of working and relating. After considering the foundations of queer theorizing, I explore how queer approaches can inform organization studies in the context of theory, research methods, and practice.

Sean Kenney is currently completing a PhD graduate program in organizational communication at the University of Colorado Boulder, where his research focuses on organizational enactments of diversity, equity, and inclusion values, particularly through the lens of queer theorizing. Sean also engages in consulting work that seeks to partner with organizations in fostering workplaces that are productive of human thriving and anti-oppression. Since 2014, he has been a producer for OutSources, Colorado’s only weekly on-air radio program dedicated to queer and trans communities and issues.