An affective (dis)ordering of difference: a practice approach to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access in veterinary medicine

Abstract

[EMBARGOED UNTIL 8/1/2023] Recent organizational theorizing contends that ontological assumptions around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) must be reconsidered. I argue that an underlying assumption of separation within the prevailing approaches to DEI theorizing and practice contributes to the ongoing persistence of inequity within the workplace and organizations. Relationality not only demonstrates how separation is produced and reproduced in research and practice, but how scholars can rethink ontological assumptions surrounding diversity and inclusion. Utilizing participant observation, interview techniques, and document analysis at a college of veterinary medicine and affiliated teaching hospital, this study combines practice theory, communication constitutes organizing (CCO), and affect theory. Four themes emerged from the analysis: affective economy of veterinary identity, atmosphere of whiteness, disordered attunement, and neutrality of practices.