Standing out or fitting in: A latent projective content analysis of discrimination of women and 2SLGBTQ+ anesthesiologists and providers

Abstract

Introduction: Discrimination toward sex and gender minority anesthesiologists and anesthesia trainees exists. Potential reasons for this discrimination are unclear and incompletely characterized. This study sought to better understand what discrimination looks like for sex and gender minorities in anesthesiology and the culture within anesthesiology that allows this discrimination to occur.

Materials and methods: With institutional research ethics board approval and informed consent, we performed a qualitative analysis of free-text responses from a previously-published internet-based cross-sectional survey distributed to Canadian anesthesiology residents, fellows, and staff. The purpose of this survey was to characterize intersections between respondent gender or sexuality with experiences of discrimination in the workplace. Separate analysis of qualitative and quantitative components of this survey was planned a priori, and the quantitative component was published elsewhere. Free-text responses were independently coded by two researchers and subsequently synthesized into emerging themes using latent projective content analysis sensitized by Butler's theory of performativity.

Results: Out of 490 free-text responses from 171 respondents [140 (81.9%) identifying as heterosexual], two themes emerged: i) fitting in: performativity reinforcing the status quo, and ii) standing out: performativity as a means of disruptive social change. Power structures were observed to favour individuals who "fit in" with the normative performances of gender and/or sexuality.

Discussion: Our study illuminates how individuals whose performances of gender and sexuality "fit in" with those expected normative performances reinforce a workplace culture that advantages them, whereas individuals whose performances of gender and sexuality "stand out" disproportionately experience discrimination. The dismantling of bias and discrimination in the anesthesiology workplace requires individuals (a) who are empowered within their workplace because they "fit in" with the majority; (b) who recognize discrimination toward communities of their peers and/or colleagues; and (c) who actively choose to "stand out".

Keywords: Butler; Discrimination; Gay; Gender; Lesbian; Performativity; Qualitative; Queer; Sexuality.