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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

Pagination

427-444

ISSN

0038-0385

Department/School

School of Social Sciences

Publisher

Sage Publications Ltd

Place of publication

6 Bonhill Street, London, England, Ec2A 4Pu

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Social structure and health

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