Blue-Collar Work, Career, and Success: Occupational Narratives of Sisu
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2004
Keywords
blue-collar work, occupational narratives, careers
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.1080/0090988042000240167
Abstract
This study examined underground iron ore miners' occupational narratives to uncover how their stories socialize miners into blue-collar careers and reinforce their work identities. Through the root theme of sisu (Finnish for inner determination), underground miners create a status hierarchy that is used to construct a sense of pride around their work and to establish milestones of success for themselves and others in their workgroup. Furthermore, they communicatively construct exemplars that guide their performance and decisions during the unfolding of their work experiences. Their discourses provide alternatives to white-collar conceptualizations and practices of careers and success.
Was this content written or created while at USF?
No
Citation / Publisher Attribution
Journal of Applied Communication Research, v. 32, issue 4, p. 273-292
Scholar Commons Citation
Lucas, Kristen and Buzzanell, Patrice M., "Blue-Collar Work, Career, and Success: Occupational Narratives of Sisu" (2004). Communication Faculty Publications. 760.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/spe_facpub/760
