Abstract
Orientation: The mining industry remains predominantly masculine, creating unique challenges for women who work in this environment. Women who work in mining face persistent identity demands and tensions as they navigate this male-dominated culture. These demands require women to develop specific identity work strategies to maintain their professional and personal identities.
Research purpose: This study explores the identity work processes of women engaged in the operations of a South African mining company, examining how they navigate and negotiate their identities in response to workplace demands and tensions. The research investigates specific identity demands placed on women, the tensions that they experience, and the strategies that they employ to manage these challenges.
Motivation: The topic of women’s identity work in the mining industry has been under-researched, particularly in the South African context. The study addresses this gap by providing insights into the lived experiences of women who work in mining, contributing to a deeper understanding of gender dynamics in traditionally masculine workplaces. The research is motivated by the need to support women's career development and well-being in the mining sector.
Research design, approach and method: The study employs a qualitative research design, using a constructivist grounded theory approach. Data was collected through in-depth interviews with women who work in various positions in the mining industry. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed, using Atlas.ti software. The grounded theory approach allowed for the development of new theoretical insights, based on the participants' experiences.
Main findings: The research identified that participants navigate a masculine-dominated culture, whilst facing identity demands such as discrimination, harassment, and undermining, and experiencing identity tensions between their professional and gender identities. They employ strategies that include metaphorical self-identification (as "links" or "connectors"), emphasizing technical expertise, building support networks, and maintaining clear boundaries. This identity work represents an ongoing process of negotiation that transforms their understanding of self and purpose within a traditionally masculine space. Through this process, women develop a clearer sense of why they're in the industry, finding meaning through professional growth and their role as essential connectors in mining operations. This meaning-making strengthens their professional identity and helps reconcile tensions between gender and
Identity Work of Women in the Mining Industry
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professional identities, contributing new theoretical insights about identity work in challenging environments.
Practical/managerial implications: The findings suggest several practical implications for the mining company, including: implementing women-specific mentorship programs with experienced female mentors; providing gender sensitivity and harassment prevention training; creating support networks for women to share experiences and strategies; developing clear career progression pathways in technical and leadership positions; and addressing practical concerns for women who work underground, including appropriate facilities and healthy accommodation.
Contribution/value-add: This research contributes to the theoretical understanding of identity work in challenging workplace contexts. It extends existing theory by linking identity work to meaning and purpose, suggesting that finding meaning in one's role can be a powerful strategy to manage identity demands and tensions. The study also provides practical insights that support women in mining, potentially improving retention and career satisfaction among female employees. The findings may be applicable to other male-dominated industries, which face similar gender dynamics.