Keywords

job loss, counterstories, identity reconstruction

Abstract

This study examines narratives told by employees who experienced involuntary job loss. Results expand on previous narrative research investigating the American Dream master narrative and job loss as related to the neoliberal claim that those who work hard will be successful. The study investigated the master narrative’s implications for job loss that if someone loses their job, they must be either flawed or a bad worker. Contributions include a new redeemed-resolved identity construction by individuals who narrated job loss as an opportunity to correct some flaw in either their character or work life and to emerge a better, changed worker. In addition, the study contributes analysis of an additional counterstory type that provides insight into the ways people reconstruct damaged identities throughout their job loss experience. As family, friends, and coworkers of those who lose their jobs, we can contribute to their well-being and facilitate their return to work by affirming their counter narratives, refusing to accept the master narrative, and helping them develop counterstories as needed.

Original Publication Citation

Murdock, R. C., Baker, M. J., & Tye-Williams, S. (2022). “The Working World Is a Minefield”: Counterstories of Job Loss. Iowa Journal of Communication, 54, Fall 2022, 9–45. https://scholarworks.uni.edu/ijc/vol54/iss1/4