Harassment and intersectionality at the workplace

Abstract

This dissertation explores the relationship between workplace harassment and intersectionality, focusing on how overlapping social identities shape individuals’ vulnerability to discrimination in professional environments. More specifically, the study examines the experiences of queer women in the workplace, considering how gender, ethnicity, and sexual orientation interact within interpersonal workplace relationships. Drawing on intersectionality theory and role congruity theory, this research seeks to move beyond single-axis approaches to discrimination by analysing how multiple identity dimensions jointly influence experiences of harassment, exclusion, and unequal treatment. Using a qualitative research design, the study is based on semi-structured interviews with queer women who have current or previous work experience. Through these narratives, the dissertation investigates how participants perceive, navigate, and respond to discriminatory behaviours, as well as how workplace relationships affect their emotional, mental, and professional wellbeing. The research also examines the strategies participants use to manage identity visibility and negotiate safety within organisational contexts. By bringing together theoretical analysis and qualitative fieldwork, this dissertation aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of workplace harassment as a multidimensional and intersectional phenomenon. The study highlights the limitations of approaches that examine gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation in isolation and reinforces the need for organisational practices that address the complex realities of identity-based discrimination. Ultimately, this research seeks to contribute to discussions on workplace equity, inclusion, and the promotion of safer organisational environments for queer women.