Union Building Conference 2018

presents a picture of difficulties but also optimism, of dedication but also great expectations. It suggests that contemporary workers discipline themselves to be extremely hardworking and tolerant of difficulties, to prioritise their jobs over their private lives, to accept disappointment and limited rewards but also remain ambitious and optimistic.

Is this a sustainable ideal, or even one that can be achieved?

Whose interests does it serve?

What is required for people to make yourselves into 'new workers'?

And is this who they should be aspiring to become?

Stephanie Taylor, School of Psychology, The Open University (stephanie.taylor@open.ac.uk)

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