Emotional Labor: The Invisible Work Shaping Our Lives and How to Claim Our Power

Emotional labor is the unrecognized work flight attendants do to make guests feel welcome and safe, often at no extra cost. Rose Hackman traces the term's history and exposes common manifestations of the phenomenon, empowering us to combat patriarchy and forge pathways for radical evolution, justice, and change.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 17 April 2023
Publisher: Flatiron Books

Emotional labor is a concept that has gained widespread recognition in recent years, initially used to describe the unacknowledged work that flight attendants and other service workers perform to make guests feel welcome and safe. However, the term has expanded beyond its original context to encompass a broader range of experiences where individuals are expected to manage and regulate their emotions in response to the demands of others.

While emotional labor is an essential aspect of our society and economy, it is often invisible and unpaid. Many individuals are asked to perform exhausting and draining work at no extra cost, often to accommodate and elevate the emotions of others. This can take many forms, such as organizing family functions, responding to the needs of colleagues or customers, or managing personal relationships.

One of the most significant manifestations of emotional labor is the pressure to edit one's emotions to conform to social norms and expectations. Women and girls, in particular, are often socialized to prioritize the emotions of others over their own, which can lead to feelings of exhaustion, frustration, and even resentment. For example, women may be expected to smile more, even when they are experiencing high stress or discomfort, while men may be allowed to express their emotions more freely.

Emotional labor can also have negative impacts on individuals' mental and physical health. The constant pressure to manage and regulate emotions can lead to stress, anxiety, and burnout, particularly for those who are already vulnerable or marginalized. Additionally, the expectation to always be available and responsive can lead to a lack of boundaries and a sense of disconnection from one's own needs and desires.

Despite the prevalence of emotional labor, it is often overlooked and undervalued. Many individuals are unaware of the extent to which they perform emotional labor in their daily lives, and those who are aware may feel powerless to change the situation. However, there are efforts underway to raise awareness about emotional labor and to advocate for its recognition and compensation.

One of the most prominent advocates for emotional labor is Rose Hackman, a journalist and author who has written extensively about the phenomenon. In her book "The Emotionally Labor Intensive Life," Hackman traces the history of the term and exposes common manifestations of emotional labor. She also provides strategies for individuals to manage their emotional labor and advocate for change in their workplaces and communities.

Hackman's book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the impact of emotional labor on individuals and society. It provides a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of the phenomenon, and offers practical strategies for navigating and challenging emotional labor. However, the book is not without its limitations. While Hackman focuses primarily on the experiences of women and girls, it is important to recognize that emotional labor can affect individuals of all genders and backgrounds.

In conclusion, emotional labor is a concept that has gained widespread recognition in recent years, but it is often invisible and unpaid. It encompasses the work that individuals perform to manage and regulate their emotions in response to the demands of others, and it can have negative impacts on individuals' mental and physical health. While there are efforts underway to raise awareness about emotional labor and advocate for its recognition and compensation, more work needs to be done to address the broader systemic issues that contribute to its prevalence. By recognizing and valuing emotional labor, we can create a more equitable and just society where individuals are supported and valued for the work they do, regardless of its emotional toll.

Weight: 448g
Dimension: 164 x 243 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781250777355