Faces of Precarity: Critical Perspectives on Work, Subjectivities and Struggles

This book explores the meanings and implications of precarity and precariousness in work, social conditions, and experiences, offering a critical perspective on the processes of precarization in the European context. It brings together an international group of authors from diverse fields and provides substantive analyses of issues such as the relationships between precarity, debt, migration, health, and workers mobilizations.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 08 August 2022
Publisher: Bristol University Press

The terms 'precarity' and 'precariousness' are frequently employed when examining work, social circumstances, and experiences. Nonetheless, there is no agreement on their precise meaning or the most effective approach to utilizing them to investigate social transformations. This book demonstrates how scholars have delineated these concepts, presenting in-depth examinations of topics such as the interconnections between precariousness, debt, migration, health, and workers' mobilizations, as well as how these interconnections have evolved in the context of COVID-19. By bringing together an international team of authors from various disciplines, this book offers a unique critical perspective on the processes of precarization, with a particular focus on the European context. The Introduction, Chapters 3 and 8, and the Afterword are accessible for free through OAPEN under a CC-BY-NC-ND license.

Precarity and precariousness are pervasive terms in discussions about work, social conditions, and experiences. However, their meanings and applications remain contested, leading to diverse interpretations and approaches in exploring social changes. This book aims to shed light on these concepts by presenting a comprehensive exploration of their historical development, theoretical frameworks, and empirical manifestations.

The book begins by tracing the historical roots of precarity and precariousness, examining how they have evolved in different contexts and societies. It explores the interplay between economic, political, and social factors that contribute to the emergence and perpetuation of these conditions, including globalization, neoliberalism, and technological advancements. The authors analyze how precarity and precariousness shape individuals' lives, livelihoods, and social relationships, highlighting the challenges and vulnerabilities they create.

In the subsequent chapters, the book delves into the theoretical frameworks that have been employed to understand precarity and precariousness. It examines the contributions of various scholars, such as Karl Marx, Antonio Gramsci, Michel Foucault, and Judith Butler, who have offered distinct perspectives on these concepts. The authors discuss how these frameworks shed light on the power dynamics, social inequalities, and cultural norms that perpetuate precarity and precariousness, as well as the potential for resistance and transformation.

The empirical manifestations of precarity and precariousness are explored in depth throughout the book. It presents case studies and examples from various industries, including healthcare, education, labor, and the creative sector. The authors analyze how precarity and precariousness manifest in different forms, such as job insecurity, low wages, irregular work schedules, and limited access to social benefits. They also examine the impact of precarity and precariousness on individuals' mental health, social mobility, and political participation.

In conclusion, this book offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary analysis of precarity and precariousness. It provides a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and activists seeking to understand and address the challenges posed by these conditions. By exploring the historical roots, theoretical frameworks, and empirical manifestations of precarity and precariousness, the book contributes to our understanding of social change and the potential for resistance and transformation.

Weight: 552g
Dimension: 161 x 241 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529220070