Abstract
ABSTRACTThis article builds on current debates on the concept of alienation as a vehicle for the immanent critique of social pathologies in the world of work. Despite the renewals of the concept of alienation, the problem of how a theoretical diagnosis of alienation can be linked back to empirical material remains unsolved. Therefore, this paper develops a heuristic approach that makes it possible to identify specific forms of suffering as feelings of alienation. Alienation is understood as, unsuccessful identity work, which is documented in experiences of suffering, unfulfilled expectations, and critiques of conditions in the working world. This paper shows how identity work processes can be examined in narrated life stories. For the analysis of feelings of alienation, two indications are presented: (1) the identification of a gap between previous and current experiences in the working world and (2) the identification of specific experiences of suffering. Experiences of alienation can thus be identified as specific forms of experiences of suffering. Such an analysis also makes it possible to integrate the actors’ voices into an immanent critique of the world of work.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
