In the pursuit of unravelling the complexities of diverse identities within the realm of work, the Breaking Binaries Research (BBR) programme has emerged as a pioneering force.
With a mission to challenge conventional understandings of identity within workplace contexts, BBR believes that work and workplaces play a pivotal role in the broader equity and equality agendas.
November marked a bustling month for the BBR team, with a notable highlight being their participation in the Women's Climbing Symposium 2023 (WCS23) held at the Climbing Hanger Liverpool Sandhills. The symposium, which drew attention to the multifaceted ways identities are understood, assumed, and constructed, provided a unique platform for BBR to engage with a diverse audience beyond the academic realm.
As academics, the BBR team acknowledges the challenges of disseminating research findings to those outside academia and emphasises the importance of bridging this gap. WCS23, according to BBR, demonstrates a crucial avenue for achieving this goal, as it serves as a reminder of why their research matters and why it needs to be communicated effectively to a broader audience.
The core mission of BBR is straightforward — to furnish high-quality evidence on diverse identities, ultimately striving to make workplaces safer and more accessible for everyone. The 'everyone' in this context encompasses a wide array of individuals from various backgrounds and experiences.
WCS23 showcased a model of a truly accessible space, a testament to the inclusive ethos upheld by the event organisers. This inclusivity, both in planning and execution, reflects a wider goal within the UK climbing community to make the sport accessible to all.
Over the past decade, indoor climbing has undergone a rapid evolution, transforming into one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK. The Association of British Climbing Walls reported that around 1 million people engaged in indoor climbing activities in 2021, with over 100,000 participating regularly. It's not just about the numbers; the growth in participation emphasises the diversity of individuals choosing climbing for both work and leisure.
The challenges faced by the climbing industry parallel those encountered in contemporary workplaces across the UK, including discriminatory practices and a lack of inclusivity. WCS23 emerged as a platform not only to spotlight these challenges but also to address them collaboratively in a safe knowledge-sharing environment.
The BBR team expressed gratitude for being part of a community committed to instigating change and making it enduring. WCS23, far from merely being about "pulling plastic," demonstrated that indoor climbing encompasses a rich tapestry of experiences and identities.
In extending a heartfelt thanks to the organisers and participants who made WCS23 possible, the Breaking Binaries Research programme remains dedicated to its mission of fostering inclusivity and diversity in workplaces, echoing the spirit of positive change witnessed at the Women's Climbing Symposium 2023.
All our research projects have undergone ethical review and approval by Swansea University. If you would like to know more about the process of ethical review please contact either Helen Williams or Katrina Pritchard with any questions you may have, alternatively if you wish to discuss this research with someone else, please contact the School of Management Research Office (FHSS-ResearchSupport@swansea.ac.uk).
To explore further and learn about the latest endeavours of the Breaking Binaries Research team, click here.