Making a Living, Making a Life

Work, Meaning and Self-Identity

Sara James (La Trobe University, Australia)

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English

Routledge
17 January 2019

Ethics & moral philosophy; Cultural studies; Social issues & processes; Social theory; Sociology: work & labour

Series: Morality, Society and Culture

In a world in which individuals will undergo multiple career changes, is it possible any longer to conceive of a job as a meaningful vocation? Against the background of fragmentation and rationalisation of work, this book explores the significance and meaning of work in contemporary life, raising the question of whether people continue to feel motivated to dedicate their lives to their work, or must now look to other areas of life for meaning. Based on rich, in-depth interviews conducted with workers of different ages and across a broad range of occupations in the major city of Melbourne, Making a Living, Making a Life reveals that work continues to be a source of pride, passion and purpose, the author shedding light on the ways in which cultural narratives, collective meanings and structural factors influence people’s feelings about work. An engaging and empirically grounded examination of the meaning and centrality of work to people’s lives in today’s 'liquid' modern world, this book will appeal to sociologists with interests in cultural sociology, social theory, ethics, the sociology of work and questions of identity.

By: Sara James (La Trobe University Australia)
Imprint: Routledge
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 156mm,
Weight: 226g
ISBN: 9780367208295
ISBN 10: 0367208296
Series: Morality, Society and Culture
Pages: 140
Publication Date: 17 January 2019
Audience: College/higher education , Further / Higher Education
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Acknowledgements 1. Introduction: The Significance of Work in Liquid Modernity 2. The Fate of the Work Ethic 3. Work and Self-Identity: Vocation, Authenticity and Passion 4. Seeking Sensation and Meaningful Work 5. Conclusion Appendix 1: Research Methodology Appendix 2: List of Participants and their Occupations Appendix 3: Profiles of Research Participants Index

Sara James is a Lecturer in the Department of Social Inquiry at La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia. She was born in the United Kingdom and grew up in Melbourne. Her main research interests are in the sociology of work and cultural sociology, with a particular focus on meaning and self-identity. Sara also undertakes research in higher education pedagogy, focusing on the first-year experience. She is co-author of Sociology in Today’s World (3rd edition, 2014), an introductory text for sociology students.