Cultural Work and Creative Subjectivity: Recentralising the Artist Critique and Social Networks in the Cultural Industries

The book investigates the declining status of creative workers in contemporary societies due to changes associated with the neoliberal creativity discourse. It suggests that a different view is needed to understand how creative workers justify their participation in the cultural industries, focusing on the identities of marginalised cultural workers and arguing that cultural work cannot be understood as self-exploitation or an abstract form of creative autonomy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 210 pages
Publication date: 28 August 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The book delves into a critical examination of the diminishing status of creative workers in contemporary societies, tracing the impact of changes associated with the neoliberal creativity discourse. These changes encompass the distribution of resources around cultural production and consumption, as well as the management of 'labour time' to 'life time.' As a result, career pathways for creative individuals have become increasingly narrow, leading to exploitative working conditions for both professionals and amateurs.

In the contemporary cultural industries, entrepreneurialism takes center stage, driven by the influence of 'social network markets' and the ability to engage with technologized consumer culture. This shift has further narrowed the opportunities available to creative workers, resulting in a situation where they are often subjected to unfair treatment and inadequate compensation.

To address this issue, the book proposes a radically different perspective on understanding the justifications of creative workers for their continued participation in the cultural industries. It specifically focuses on the identities of marginalized cultural workers, who are often underpaid or under-rewarded for their contributions. The book argues that cultural work cannot be reduced to self-exploitation or abstract forms of creative autonomy. Instead, creative workers must engage in an 'artist critique' to reclaim the social values associated with making culture as 'public labor.'

Through the use of contemporary case studies, the book brings together theory and practice, making it a valuable contribution to research on the cultural economy. It will appeal to scholars and practitioners in this field, as well as those involved in the management of cultural work. By shedding light on the challenges faced by creative workers and advocating for a more equitable and sustainable approach to cultural production, this book aims to contribute to the ongoing dialogue about the future of creativity and its role in shaping societies.

Weight: 576g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367771195