Society, Psychology and the Individual

Abstract

Socially produced identities are a central factor delineating people’s experience of work. As the authors of the Insco case study argue, Allan views his hierarchical position as a reflection of his own personal status and dignity. In his dealings with his female ‘subordinates’ he utilises a mixture of patronising humour, sarcasm and indifference in order to maintain a symbolic distance of authority and ‘motivate’ them to work independently. His proud boasts also indicate the significance of gender to his work identity.

I have a reputation for getting people’s backs up who work for me. I will help them if I consider they need it, but sometimes I give them the impression that I can’t be bothered. I prefer them to learn by looking for themselves. So I’m fairly abrupt and indifferent. I’m not worried if they like me but I do want their respect … I don’t like them to take advantage … they often say, ‘Oh we can’t understand you, Allan, we try to be nice to you but you’re not nice back.’ I think there’s only one I’ve not made cry … I don’t think I have to do the job. My job is to keep them as busy as possible. I’d rather me be bored than them, otherwise if you do bring work for them again, it just leads to moaning and groaning. You can’t keep all six happy at the same time. With some you can tell their monthly changes, even the other girls say so. Sometimes when they’re having a good chunner about the inspectors I have to impress on them that if it was not for the men, there’d be no jobs for them, if the blokes don’t go out and sell insurance (Collinson and Knights, 1986: 158).