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Fringe benefits: valuing the visual in narratives of hairdressers' identities at work

Shortt, Harriet; Warren, Samantha

Authors

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Harriet Shortt Harriet.Shortt@uwe.ac.uk
Associate Professor in Organisation Studies

Samantha Warren



Abstract

In this article, we focus on the use of respondent-led photography, as a narrative method through which we may research identity at work. We base our argument on empirical data drawn from a wider research study, the aim of which was to explore the identities of hairdressers through the spaces and objects they experience and encounter in their everyday workplace; hair salons. After making a case for the value and benefits of using visual methods in identity research in a work context, we present four key methodological themes that emerged from our own reflection on the research project. The first discusses the 'self-portraits' captured by the respondents; the second explores how images reveal 'spaces' of identity construction in the background of the photograph; the third presents the unexpected and unusual objects of identity construction; and the fourth looks at those images 'taken by accident' and the important emotional narratives they produce. We argue that relying on solely textual narratives in researching identity at work misses vital performative and contextual data that enrich our understanding of organisational life. © 2012 International Visual Sociology Association.

Citation

Shortt, H., & Warren, S. (2012). Fringe benefits: valuing the visual in narratives of hairdressers' identities at work. Visual Studies, 27(1), 18-34. https://doi.org/10.1080/1472586X.2012.642955

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Mar 1, 2012
Journal Visual Studies
Print ISSN 1472-586X
Electronic ISSN 1472-5878
Publisher Taylor & Francis (Routledge)
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 27
Issue 1
Pages 18-34
DOI https://doi.org/10.1080/1472586X.2012.642955
Keywords hairdressers, identity, materiality, narrative, objects, photography, space, visual research
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/955741
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/1472586X.2012.642955