This paper aims to present and discuss a theoretical meaning-making model in work, exploring the challenges and possibilities it brings to the psychological research about informal work. The meaning-making process comprises three components: the social and collective meanings about work; the sense of work defined as a singular apprehension of those meanings; and the activity - which mediates the relation between subject and social reality, putting into action both meaning and sense. The paper develops three hypotheses: firstly, that the meaning-making approach allows the researcher grasp the tension between formal/informal labor; secondly, it helps him tell apart different levels of analysis on the informality phenomenon; and thirdly, this approach also contributes to a broader comprehension of meanings and sense in the work place, not only in cognitive and individualist terms.
sense of work; meaning-making in work; informal work
Thumbnail
Thumbnail
