Oddity as Commodity? The body as symbolic resource for Other-defying identity work

While studies on the work people undertake their ‘identities’ in professional contexts tend to focus inner conversations between different possible selves, this paper considers impact of ‘inherited’ prescriptions and expectations such entwining identity with historic conditions written onto body. It does so by studying performing artists dwarfism. Taking into account long history stereotypical roles within entertainment sector visibly ‘different’ body which guarantees solicit gaze others, study terms corporeal positioning self whose position stage is often morally disputed, both inside outside community Analysing how use Othered bodies as a symbolic resource for work, we describe three ways engaging embodied work: ‘ethicalization’, through stereotype- avoiding bodywork, ‘queering’, provoking ‘distancing’, acting bodywork. Each strategy an attempt redress incoherence preferred (personally aspired) ascribed (historically inherited) identity. By analysing preserve aspirational defy image being Other, contributes existing debates highlighting role ‘oddity’ instrument work. In addition, it offers reflective note problem ‘academic exoticism’ sensitization Other potential able-bodied allyship attenuate lack disability knowledge management organization studies.