The use of ethnography to explore meanings that refuse collectors attach to their work

Abstract

This paper details how the ethnographic approach can be usefully adopted in the context of researching dirty or undesirable work. Drawing on a study of refuse collectors, it shows how ethnography can enable a fuller social articulation of the experiences and meanings of a social group where conventional narrative disclosure and linguistic expression may be insufficient. Viewing ethnography as no one particular method, but rather a style of research that is distinguished by its objectives to understand the social meanings and activities of people in a given 'field' or setting, this paper highlights aspects of reproductive and 'dirty' work which may be hidden or difficult to reveal.Combining the methods of participant observation, photographic representation and interviews, we add to an understanding of dirty work and how it is encountered. We draw on Willis and Trondman's (2002) three distinguishing characteristics namely, recognition of theory, centrality of culture and critical focus to highlight some meanings men give to their work. By incorporating these issues of theory, culture and reflexivity throughout the research process, this paper highlights how Willis and Trondman's (2002) approach aids the ethnographic objective and is crucial to the understanding of representation and experience. As such, the value of this paper can be understood in terms of developing a further understanding of dirty work, which incorporates an ethnographic process and interpretation, to achieve 'rich data' on the dirty work experience.

‘Lower than a Snake’s Belly’: Discursive Constructions of Dignity and Heroism in Low-Status Garbage Work

“…While there has been growing interest in the labour of garbage collectors (most recently Simpson et al 2014a;Slutskaya et al 2016;Hughes et al 2017) particularly in relation to conceptions of dirt, they are, as Ashworth and Kreiner (1999) originally pointed out, a relatively underexplored occupational grouping. As compared to the volumes written on middle managers, company executives and organisational leaders, there is a nascent literature on garbage workers.…”

“…Following on from related occupational studies by Simpson et al (2014a), Slutskaya et al (2016) and Hughes et al (2017), we explore the experiences of what is perhaps the least outwardly 'heroic' job: garbage collection. Where doctors and firefighters are associated with saving lives and soldiers speak to bravery, the garbage collector is charged with handling the waste of other people.…”

The seven deadly sins and ethnography

“…Seven sins and ethnography Simpson et al (2014) combined different methods: participant observation, interviews and photographic representation to explain the meanings that refuse collectors attach to their work. Even if the data made it possible to discuss issues of identity, precarious work or resistance, the focus on one topic allowed the development of a rich and detailed ethnographic work.…”

Beyond work intensification: The contradictions and ironies of the changing nature of ‘unskilled’ work in a context of austerity and organisational change

“…More importantly, we would argue that they neglect the 'labour process' in their analysis and debates. Simpson et al (2014) however, do consider the 'meanings that refuse collectors attach to their work' but in terms of how dirt is perceived, rather than how the work affects the job/worker. They also refer to dirt and 'danger', which we also argue is a neglected topic, although they refer to it in terms of danger of 'contamination' from the dirt as opposed to personal threats and violence due to the changing operational features of the job.…”