Arlie Russell Hochschild

Definition

Arlie Russell Hochschild is a renowned American sociologist best known for her work on emotional labor and the sociology of work and family. She examines how emotional management affects individuals, particularly in contexts like the gig economy and international labor migration, highlighting the inequalities that arise from these dynamics. Hochschild's research underscores the interplay between personal experiences and broader social structures, providing insights into how workers navigate their emotional and economic realities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hochschild introduced the term 'emotional labor' in her 1983 book 'The Managed Heart,' emphasizing how emotions can be commodified in workplaces.
2. Her research highlights how women are often disproportionately burdened with emotional labor, impacting their career advancement and personal well-being.
3. Hochschild's study on the gig economy reveals how workers often have to engage in emotional labor while navigating insecure job conditions.
4. Her work on international labor migration emphasizes how migrant workers experience both economic and emotional challenges, adapting to new environments while often facing exploitation.
5. Hochschild's insights connect personal experiences of workers with broader social inequalities, pushing for greater awareness of emotional dynamics in labor.

Review Questions

• How does Hochschild's concept of emotional labor apply to workers in the gig economy?
  • Hochschild's concept of emotional labor is highly relevant to gig economy workers who must manage their emotions to satisfy clients or customers while often working under precarious conditions. For example, rideshare drivers may need to maintain a friendly demeanor regardless of their personal feelings or external stressors. This expectation can lead to emotional exhaustion and highlights the disparity between the flexibility promised by gig work and the actual pressures faced by workers.
• In what ways does Hochschild's research on international labor migration reveal inequalities experienced by migrant workers?
  • Hochschild's research on international labor migration illustrates that migrant workers frequently face significant inequalities related to their emotional and economic experiences. These workers often take on jobs that require extensive emotional labor while being subjected to poor working conditions and low pay. Additionally, they may experience cultural dislocation and social isolation, making their adaptation more challenging compared to local workers who may not face the same barriers.
• Evaluate the impact of Hochschild's work on our understanding of labor dynamics in both the gig economy and international migration contexts.
  • Hochschild's work significantly enhances our understanding of labor dynamics by revealing how emotional labor plays a crucial role in both the gig economy and international migration contexts. By connecting personal experiences with larger societal structures, her research uncovers the hidden emotional costs that many workers endure. This insight encourages policymakers and organizations to consider not only economic factors but also the emotional well-being of workers when addressing issues of precarious employment and migration, ultimately advocating for more equitable labor practices.

Related terms

Emotional Labor: The process of managing feelings and expressions to fulfill the emotional requirements of a job, often seen in service-oriented professions.

Precarious Work: Employment that is uncertain, unpredictable, and risky, often lacking job security and benefits, commonly associated with the gig economy.

Globalization: The process of increasing interconnection and interdependence among countries, affecting labor markets and migration patterns worldwide.