CONSTRUCTION OF FREEDOM AS A NEOLIBERAL WORK RELATION: A CASE OF FREELANCE WORK

Date

2024-8

Author

Torun, Gürsu Sezen

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This thesis investigates the construction of freedom as a neoliberal work relation. Focusing on freelance consultancy workers as a case, it examines how freelance consultancy workers experience neoliberal freedom. The theoretical background is rooted in neoliberalism. Neoliberalism highlights the shift towards market-driven principles, individual responsibility, flexibility, and the commodification of labor. Through an analysis of in-depth interviews conducted with 23 internal and external consultants working on a project basis, the thesis aims to understand the narratives of freedom on the cognitive, performative, and relational factors that freelance consultants are faced with. Key findings show that the experience of being free can be categorized as autonomy in choosing projects and clients, not being subject to the authority or a boss, and having the iniciative in deciding about workplace and work time. On the other hand, the construction of freedom as a neoliberal work relation has its limits and challenges. Though the experiences of freelance consultants under neoliberal work relations promote freedom and autonomy, the construction of freedom is often constrained by economic and financial insecurity, workload and time management problems, and social and psychological challenges. The construction and enjoyment of freedom are significantly influenced by factors such as age, gender, marital status, and the level of experience and seniority.

Subject Keywords

Transformation of work, Neoliberal work relation, Freelance consultant, Neoliberal freedom

URI

https://hdl.handle.net/11511/110609

Collections

Graduate School of Social Sciences, Thesis