“Where do I fit in this space?": the role of community for women leaders in bike shops
- WCU Author/Contributor (non-WCU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Tamara B. Sanders (Creator)
- Institution
- Western Carolina University (WCU )
- Web Site: http://library.wcu.edu/
- Advisor
- Callie Schultz
Abstract: The cycling field has always been dominated by white men, and even more so when discussing those in leadership positions. Additionally, researchers and practitioners overwhelmingly acknowledge that women are underrepresented in the professional bicycle industry. Thus, they continue to call for more diversity in the male-dominated bike industry and for greater representation of women leaders and role models. Yet, how could the bike industry attract and retain more women in leadership positions? One possible answer is through building meaningful and inclusive community. Studies suggest that community plays a key role in the retention of marginalized individuals. Accordingly, this study utilized McMillan and Chavis’ (1986) sense of community conceptual framework to explore how women working in bike shops in leadership roles experience community through their workplace. For the purpose of this study, “woman” was any person who self-identified as such, and “leader” was defined as having managed one or more employees for at least a year within a bike shop. This research was guided by the current fourth-wave feminist lens. The design utilized collective memory work, a methodological framework grounded in social constructionism and critical interpretivism and founded on feminist ideals. Its findings speak to the women who are, or someday might be, working in a bike shop, the owners and managers of that shop who are ready to support them, and then also for the many other people in similar marginalized positions in the bike and outdoor industries. In lieu of a traditional conclusion, two letters of support are offered: one for the woman working in a bike shop and the other for those in positions to continue welcoming a woman into this space.
“Where do I fit in this space?": the role of community for women leaders in bike shops
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Created on 3/1/2023
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Thesis
- Language: English
- Date: 2023
- Keywords
- bike shop, collective memory work, feminism, fourth-wave, sense of community, women
- Subjects
- Businesswomen
- Cycling
- Outdoor recreation industry
- Collective memory
- Fourth-wave feminism