Konsten att inte njuta av livet- En studie i flexibla anställningsformers effekter på människan

Sammanfattning: Abstract Tiba Khozestani Konsten att inte njuta av livet- En studie i flexibla anställningsformers effekter på människan Kandidatuppsats: SOC01 15hp Handledare: Eva Kärfve Sociologiska institutionen, Vårterminen 2011 The aim of this study is to examine the effects of flexible forms of employment regarding the physical and psychological health of the employees. Theoretically, my point of departure is the alienations theory by Karl Marx, particulary as developed by Melvin Seeman in theory of five alternative meanings of alienation: powerlessness, meaninglessness, normlessness, isolation and self-estrangement. The method of this research is qualitative, and I have conducted six interviews with persons from different professions. Although these persons express contendedness with their actual activities at work, they also express dissatisfaction with the flexible work forms, intruding on almost all aspects of their everyday life. My conclusions are that the flexible form of employment is marked by uncertainty, effecting the employees in various negative ways and hazardous for family life, repose and revitalization. My study indicates a strong connection between forced flexibility and the alienation, as proposed by Seeman in his development of the Marxian theory. My study, though limited, points at the necessity of further critical research within the field of flexible forms of employment. Keywords: Alienation, Marx, Seeman, employment, work, flexibility.