Exploring the Future of Work Through Photovoice: A Sociological Approach

• In Event: 30260 - Joint Roundtables: Section on Social Psychology and Section on Sociology of Emotions
  In Refereed Roundtable (90 minute): Table 8: Social Psychology of Work

Abstract

This paper explores the use of photovoice as a pedagogical tool for examining students' perceptions of the future of work. For this project, undergraduate sociology majors were tasked with capturing daily photographs that represent their personal experiences and views on how the changing landscape of labor impacts their lives. The project aimed to engage students in a critical dialogue about the shifting nature of work and its social implications as well as the impact on their lives as future graduates.
The project unfolded in three phases: an introductory workshop on photovoice as a method for social inquiry, a photovoice assignment focused on visualizing perceptions of the future of work, and group discussions where students shared their images and interpretations. The findings from this exercise revealed three key themes that reflected the impact and anxieties shared by students about contemporary work conditions:
1. The Naturalization of Hyper-Productivity: Many students' images depicted environments where relentless productivity is normalized. This suggests an internalization of the idea of not wasting time by laboring.
2. Masking: A significant number of images captured students' experiences of masking feelings of burnout, exhaustion, or disengagement with pictures showing them being happy in groups when in reality they were feeling alone.
3. Sequestering When Feeling Down: These visual representations highlighted how students feel compelled to hide their emotional states or retreat into isolated spaces when struggling with negative feelings, showcasing the inability students have to engage with their peers or build community.
Based on these visual findings, this paper argues that mental health is a central and often overlooked issue that must be addressed in the future of work.

Author

• Chantal Figueroa, Colorado College