Self-managed subjetivity and world of work

Analysis of self-employment working trajectories

Abstract

Contemporary transformations in the world of work have led to the emergence of large sectors operating outside the wage relationship and the hegemonic social protection system of the mid-20th century. Based on biographical interviews conducted in Greater La Plata, Argentina (2003–2019), we propose a comparative analysis of the work trajectories of self-employed workers from both the middle and working classes. Drawing on the notion of the ‘new spirit of capitalism’ we examine how precariousness and different forms of ‘self-management’ are manifested. Among the findings, we highlight the emergence of self- -managed labor disciplining mechanisms that reinforce the neoliberal imprint on the labor market.