Abstract:

Purpose - This study seeks to explore, document, and contribute to knowledge of the longitudinal experience, and consequences of, excessive liminality and the physical and emotional connectedness to tools used within this liminal space.

Design/methodology/approach - The research proposed is reasonably complex and theoretically original given the timeframe and limitations of doctoral study. In this ethnographic journey, songs will be written over the period of one year with grassroots artists within the folk/indie/rock scene. The researcher will inhabit this ‘underground’, and a social constructionist perspective will be adopted.

Originality/value - This study seeks to explore and advance the research communities understanding of the concept of longitudinal excessive liminality, self-questioning identity that may arise from it, and ‘indecisive’, ‘insecure’, ‘critical’ or ‘self-depreciative’ identity struggles that may be found within this space. By furthering understanding within the social sciences of long-term exposure to this liminal space, it is the intent to contribute to the academic discussion of issues that may arise, or already exist, within the increasingly precarious and fluctuating career landscape of capitalist economies.

Alongside these considerations, it is also the intent to explore psychological and physiological adaptation of the participants to ‘tools’ of their labour. The intent is to shine light on the impact on identity and creativity as societal actors remove the tangible tools from the worker and further automate, and digitalise, the workplace.

Recommendations will be provided that are intended to help the self-identified ‘creative’ and/or ‘artist’ feel comfortable with, or have more understanding of, the difficulties within, and benefits of, this liminal space. It is further the intent to consider if liminality, historically seen as alien and unnatural, should be more societally acceptable, even appreciated, by capitalist societies that emphasise achievement, success, profit and practicality above enjoyment and discovery. This may lead to more balanced dialogue within teams of legislators and business leaders, and increase understanding, when considering the impact of capitalism on segregated, alienated, and disaffected societies and staff.

Please choose your submission type: Developmental Paper

Primary Track: Identity

Keywords: Identity work;Occupational / work / professional identity;Identity construction;Cultural / national identity;Ethnography

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Mr. Alan Brooke