The Symposium on "Meaning and Purpose of Work" invites you to submit extended abstracts for presentations and discussions. This symposium will explore two fundamental dimensions of work: how individuals find meaning and purpose in their jobs (meaningful work), and the broader philosophical question of why people engage in work at all (purpose of work).
We invite you to submit contributions that address these topics from diverse theoretical and methodological perspectives. In particular, we are looking for submissions that explore the following themes:
- Defining Meaningful Work: How can even the most challenging or seemingly mundane jobs be considered meaningful? What psychological, social, and existential factors influence the perception of work as meaningful?
- Infusing Meaning into Existing Jobs: How do individuals identify and create meaning in roles that are not inherently fulfilling or prestigious? What factors influence whether workers perceive meaning in their jobs, and how do these perceptions vary across different sectors and contexts?
- Why Do We Work?: What are the underlying motivations for work beyond financial survival? How do psychological, social, and philosophical factors shape people's decision to engage in labor, and how can these motivations be understood within different societal and cultural frameworks?
We invite you to submit short abstracts (250–500 words) that address one or more of these themes. Submissions should focus on empirical research.
Timeline: Please submit the short abstracts by December 6, 2024 to galinab@niagara.edu and mgrabars@lakeheadu.ca
Notification of Acceptance will be given by December 8th, 2024
Full Extended Abstract Submission: December 15th, 2024
Galina Boiarintseva and Mirit Grabarski
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Mirit Grabarski
Assistant Professor
Lakehead University
Thunder Bay ON
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