The minor gestures of diversity work: experiences of women scientists in Danish STEM academia

Academic institutions worldwide have made concerted efforts to address diversity and inclusion issues. Although the term ‘diversity work’ has primarily been associated with formal institutional and organizational policymaking processes, such work is also integral to the everyday lived experiences within academic institutions. Based on interviews with early-career women scientists working in STEM fields in Denmark, this article explores the gestures, movements and experiences of women scientists as they engage in diversity work within their workplace. Drawing inspiration from Erin Manning, diversity work is conceptualized as everyday minor gestures, examining how this work is intricately woven into the fabric of everyday institutional life. The article shows how subtle and minor gestures play a role in the practice of diversity work within higher education institutions.