| Using a materially grounded, interpretative approach I explore the influence of the dynamic relationship between identity (as gendered worker/consumer/investors) and discourse on the social structures/institutions of global finance. I examine the gendered patterns of representation of the literature of global finance.; I have identified three sets of representational patterns that inform us about the dominant identity signifiers for men and women: the operatives, the environment, and the risk-evaluation based, situational dynamics of financial operatives and their routine and non-routine environments. I link these patterns of representation, and the perceptual context created by these social institutions, with the gendered 'causes' of market movement and unpack the gendered influences of dominant discourse and identities on the operations and social community of global finance.; Market movement is influenced by hegemonic masculinity which affects the actions/perceptions/misperceptions of the operatives and community of finance in routine and non-routine situations. These operatives of global finance can be understood as the 'risk takers', the order makers, the 'selves' who can move the market sometimes individually, and often collectively. Expected actions arise from an assumed common 'rationality' and 'irrationality' of this community that comes from the same dominant discourse. While risk is controlled/hedged through instruments, it is also controlled through one's awareness of the perception of the community misperception arising from these assumptions of rational expectations. Individual risk takers can take advantage of this by anticipating what influential individuals and the communities of global finance might choose to do. What results is 'normal' risk-taking behaviour that is in reality 'excessive' risk-taking.; When we are located outside of these influential circles of power, our choices and ability to influence the discourse of global finance are limited. We do influence the dominant discourse, but are much more influenced in our behaviour and choices by the dominant discourse. We have to live with its effects as workers, consumer and investors. By disrupting the 'givens' of this Euro-American community of global finance, there is the potential for the empowerment of insiders and outsiders in global finance. This disruption has the ability to materially affect lives, at minimum, as workers, consumers and investors. |
