The proud carbuilder : A study regarding the importance of labor work for participation and identity

The purpose of this study is to find, understand and discuss the experiences of former employees at SAAB, and present how this can be understood according to my core theoretical concepts, which are participation and identity. The questions asked in the study are based on how the labor is described, characterized and what comes forth as valuable, which is compared to absence of labor work. First, labor is described in an historical and social context, and at the same time related to the core theoretical concept. Second, the methodology chapter is presented, which mainly consists of 11 observations and 10 interviews. Third, the chapter regarding former theory leads to an analysis model, which is used on the empirical material of the study. The result shows that labor work at SAAB primarily is described as important for socializing, security and the possibility to be independent. The tasks at SAAB are described as backbreaking and monotonous, while the lack of labor work influences the physical and mental wellbeing. Unemployment also contributes to limitations in everyday life, and in addition, creates negative feelings and experiences due to lack of control in a new and changed world. In summary, the empirical and theoretical analysis taken together leads to the conclusion that labor work at SAAB is substantially described as positive, but there are however, parts which are less positive. Another conclusion is that lack of labor work primarily can be described as negative, but the opposite is also discernible. A third conclusion is that labor work is important for the understanding of participation and identity. When using the theoretical analysis model on the results given in the empirical material, three participation- and identity patterns can be found. These are then contextual and temporal, due to time and situation; the stabile and secure pattern, the loose and temporary pattern and the compensating and regenerative pattern. At the end of the essay there is an overall and concluding discussion regarding the findings in relation to context and society and which significance this may have on social pedagogy and its practice. Finally there is a brief section with reflections regarding the conducted study and perspectives on research to come