ABSTRACT
As identity in organizations becomes an increasingly common topic (e.g. Dutton et al., 1994; Pratt and Rafaeli, 1997; Whetten and Godfrey, 1998), one salient point is often overlooked: identity is a contested site. ‘Identity is something over which struggles take place and with which stratagems are advanced’ (Jenkins, 1996: 25). Identities shape interests, loyalties, passions; they are a prized resource (Gamson, 1991; Hunt et al., 1994).
