Abstract:

Occupational stigma has been extensively examined across sociology and organiza-
tion studies; however, its emergence and institutionalization as a dynamic social process
remain insufficiently theorized. This study addresses the gap through a critical and inte-
grative review of the occupational stigma literature. Synthesizing research on dirty work,
identity management, psychological consequences, and institutional legitimacy, the review
identifies a persistent tendency to treat stigma as a pre-existing condition rather than as an
outcome requiring explanation. Drawing on practice theory, the study reconceptualizes oc-
cupational stigma as a temporally unfolding accomplishment constituted through recurrent
configurations of materials, meanings, and competences enacted across interacting audi-
ences. Through systematic literature search, quality assessment, and thematic synthesis,
the study develops a multi-level, practice-based process model explaining how occupa-
tional stigma emerges, intensifies, and becomes sedimented within regulatory and discur-
sive infrastructures. By integrating fragmented strands of research, the article advances a
coherent theoretical framework and sets an agenda for future scholarship on the stigmati-
sation of occupation.

Please choose your submission type: Full Paper

Primary Track: Practice Theory

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Mr. Jonathan Ayertey

Biography