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A Bridge over Troubled Borders: Social Class and the Interplay between Work and Life

Author

Listed:
  • Samantha Evans

    (University of Kent, UK)

  • Madeleine Wyatt

    (King’s College London, UK)

Abstract

Drawing on border theory, this article presents a study of the role that social class plays in the interplay between work and non-work life. A survey was used to collect subjective ratings of social class for class origin, home and work domains. Interviews were then conducted with 20 individuals to explore participants’ experiences of social class across their work-life domains. The analysis identified five groups of individuals who experienced different work-life outcomes depending on their self-perceived social class and any experiences of social class travel. The study found that socially mobile interviewees had more complex work-life experiences and found work-life interplay more challenging than those whose social class was congruent across domains, challenging the assumption that social mobility is inherently beneficial. The article proposes that social class acts as a bridge, which either facilitates or impedes the ease with which individuals move between their work-life domains.

Suggested Citation

  • Samantha Evans & Madeleine Wyatt, 2023. "A Bridge over Troubled Borders: Social Class and the Interplay between Work and Life," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 37(1), pages 137-156, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:woemps:v:37:y:2023:i:1:p:137-156
    DOI: 10.1177/09500170211041304
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Özbilgin, Mustafa F. & Beauregard, T. A. & Tatli, Ahu & Bell, Myrtle P., 2011. "Work-life, diversity and intersectionality: a critical review and research agenda," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 36557, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
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