Dramas of Dignity: Cleaners in the Corporate Underworld of Berlin

This book explores the hidden world of cleaners in Potsdamer Platz, Berlin, revealing their dramas of dignity and the complexities of their work. It offers insights into the attitudes and experiences of cleaners in a corporate underworld, challenging public perceptions of cleaning as degrading.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 220 pages
Publication date: 09 June 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Beyond the glitzy facade of Potsdamer Platz, a designer micro-city nestled within the heart of Berlin, this captivating book delves into the unseen world of cleaners, the unsung heroes who maintain the cleanliness and hygiene of this bustling complex. It takes readers on a behind-the-scenes journey, peeling back the layers to reveal the untold stories of the individuals who tirelessly pick up cigarette butts from sidewalks, scrape chewing gum from marble floors, wipe coffee stains from office desks, and scrub public toilets.

Before the arrival of white-collar workers, consumers, and tourists, these cleaners are the first to arrive, ensuring that the premises are pristine and ready for occupancy. However, what lies beneath the surface of their seemingly mundane tasks is a complex and often misunderstood world. This book takes readers on a captivating journey to a large, hidden corporate underworld beneath Potsdamer Platz.

As Costas ventures into this hidden realm, he discovers a world that is far from the degrading perception that cleaning is often associated with. The cleaners, driven by a desire for dignity and respect, find themselves navigating a complex web of interactions with their co-workers, management, clients, and the public. Through their stories, the book explores the dramas of dignity that unfold in these interactions, shedding light on the challenges and struggles these cleaners face in their daily lives.

This book is a valuable resource for students and academics alike, spanning various fields such as organisational theory, organisational behavior, organisation studies, sociology, social anthropology, cultural studies, and urban studies. It offers a unique perspective on the world of cleaners, challenging societal norms and providing a deeper understanding of the complexities of work and the pursuit of dignity.

In conclusion, "Beyond the Shiny Surface: The Untold Stories of Cleaners in Potsdamer Platz" is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the hidden corners of urban life, challenging societal perceptions, and understanding the complexities of work and the human spirit.

ISBN-13: 9781108469166