The (F)Unemployment Diaries: A Frame Analysis of the Good Life in an Unemployment Blog

• In Event: ICA Plenary Interactive Paper/Poster Session and Reception
  In Interactive Paper Session: Interactive Paper Session on the Conference Theme

Abstract

As unemployment remains a popular topic, individuals are finding new ways to share their personal narratives about being laid off. This study examines the online unemployment blog, HowIGotLaidOff.com to explore how individuals’ frame the concept of the good life in their unemployment experience. Through frequency and descriptive frame analyses, individuals present their narratives using seven frames: processes, positive outlook, injustice, the (not) so good life, loyalty, financial rationalization, and faith and religion. Overall, individuals challenge the construction of the unemployed self and couch their experience as a component of the good life.

Authors

• Alison N. Novak, Drexel University

• Wajeeha A. Choudhary, Drexel U