Identity work and the 'unemployed' worker: age, disability and the lived experience of the older unemployed

Riach, K. and Loretto, W. (2009) Identity work and the 'unemployed' worker: age, disability and the lived experience of the older unemployed. Work, Employment and Society, 23(1), pp. 102-119. (doi: 10.1177/0950017008099780)

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Abstract

This article seeks to explore how older individuals negotiate and manage their self-identity in relation to work while situated without paid employment. After reviewing the current positions of the older unemployed in the UK, noting the substantial overlap between age and disability, we turn our attention to conceptualizing the lived experiences of individuals through exploring `identity work' as a means of understanding a non-working work identity. Based upon focus group interviews, our empirical analysis focuses on key dimensions of participants' identity practice and how they sought to manage the following social processes: imposed identities; crafting working identities; and contesting unfavourable working identities.The conclusion contextualizes the findings against a backdrop of increasing individualistic discourses underpinning approaches to employability, closes with the policy implications arising from this study, and makes suggestions for future research agendas.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Loretto, Professor Wendy and Riach, Professor Kathleen
Authors: Riach, K., and Loretto, W.
College/School:College of Social Sciences > Adam Smith Business School > Management
Journal Name:Work, Employment and Society
Publisher:SAGE
ISSN:0950-0170
ISSN (Online):1469-8722

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