One career, two identities: an assessment of gay men's career trajectory

Authors: Raymond Nam Cam Trau; Charmine E.J. Härtel

Source: Career Development International, Volume 9, Number 7, 2004 , pp. 627-637(11)

Publisher: Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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Abstract:

Most of the research on career development of sexual minorities focuses on lesbians. Gay men, on the other hand, have received little attention in the literature as it is assumed that they face fewer difficulties in career development because they are men. This paper redresses this gap by presenting an analysis of the impact of sexual identity on the career development of gay men, drawing on both a literature review of the literature on sexual identity, gay organizational studies and career development and the results of a recent interview study. In accord with other literature, the study demonstrates that gay men, like other sexual minorities, are confronted with a conflict between personal and career needs, and have to deal with society's expectations and intolerance towards homosexuality. Suggestions are given for research that will lead to a deeper understanding of the career decisions and attitudes of gay men.

Keywords: Homosexuals; Career Development; Sexual Orientation; Gender; Equal Opportunities

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/13620430410570338

Publication date: 2004-07-01

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