The politics of equality: professionals, states and activists

Abstract

PurposeThe paper draws out the key conceptual, methodological and substantive issues raised in the papers around the politics of equalities.Design/methodology/approachRather than reviewing and summarising each paper in turn this introductory article synthesises the key themes from papers to develop an overview of the key issues raised in the edited collection.FindingsThe papers trouble traditional dichotomies in equalities studies, suggesting complex and fluid relationships between states, activists and professionals. They also identify some key elements of current equalities work such as equalities framing, diversity interpretation and the negotiation of ambiguity produced through the seesaw of hope/failure characterising this work.Research limitations/implicationsThe collection highlights the continuing dearth of work around certain equalities strands, in particular, around sexualities and generation. It also suggests avenues for further work developing postcolonial analysis of equalities work in organisations.Originality/valueThe collection is unique in that it draws together current work crossing diverse national and sectoral contexts and from a range of equalities strands.