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Subjectivity and the Labour Process: Conceptualising 'Good Work'

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 06:41 authored by Douglas EzzyDouglas Ezzy
Two central unresolved problems in labour process theory are the disjuncture between structure and agency and the problem of what constitutes `good' work. This paper argues that a hermeneutic conception of the self as constructed through narrative provides a resolution to these two issues. Hermeneutics conceptualises the self as neither a solitary entity impervious to the influence of others, nor as a mere reflection of objective structures or `discourses of power'. Rather, in the process of self-interpretation a person uses socially learnt cultural discourses to construct and reconstruct a coherent sense of narrative-identity. Substantive illustrations are drawn from labour process theory, recent developments in management theory, and some more general studies of the meaning of working.

History

Publication title

Sociology

Volume

31

Issue

3

Pagination

427-444

ISSN

0038-0385

Department/School

School of Social Sciences

Publisher

Sage Publications Ltd

Publication status

  • Published

Place of publication

6 Bonhill Street, London, England, Ec2A 4Pu

Socio-economic Objectives

200207 Social structure and health

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