Fantasy, Neoliberalism and Precariousness: Coping Strategies in the Cultural Industries

Studies have responded to neoliberal understandings of entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation in the cultural and creative industries, but little research has looked at the psychosocial impact on the working lives of individuals. Fantasy, Neoliberalism, and Precariousness explores how experiences of precariousness and insecurity threaten the well-being and self-realization of aspiring musicians. Vachet examines anxiety, narcissism, recognition, and self-esteem from a sociological perspective, contributing to debates about working lives in the cultural and creative industries.

Format: Hardback
Length: 140 pages
Publication date: 30 March 2022
Publisher: Emerald Publishing Limited

Numerous recent studies have offered alternative perspectives on neoliberal interpretations of entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation within the cultural and creative industries, as well as in broader contexts. While there has been extensive documentation of the characteristics of work life in this sector in recent years, limited research has focused on examining the psychosocial impact on the working lives of individuals.

In response to this gap, Fantasy, Neoliberalism, and Precariousness: The Threat to Aspiring Musicians' Well-Being and Self-Realization draws upon the findings of an original empirical study conducted with independent musicians residing in Brooklyn, San Francisco, Portland, Stockholm, and Paris. The study explores how experiences of precariousness and insecurity under neoliberal conditions pose a threat to the well-being and self-realization of aspiring musicians.

Drawing from a sociological perspective, Vachet examines anxiety, narcissism, recognition, and self-esteem, considering their interplay with social class and gender. By contributing to ongoing debates within cultural studies, sociology, and the political economy of communication about working lives in the cultural and creative industries, Vachet addresses unexplored questions surrounding the psychosocial impact of precariousness and other problematic features of work in these sectors.

This research offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics between neoliberalism, work, and well-being, shedding light on the challenges faced by aspiring musicians and highlighting the need for further exploration and understanding of the psychosocial implications of precarious work in the cultural industries.

Weight: 340g
Dimension: 160 x 239 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803823089