What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to explore how dirty work affects social identity and the perceptions surrounding it.

June 30, 2026Open Access

Dirty Work: A Study of Societal Perceptions and Personal Experiences in the Construction of Social Identity

Key Points

The aim is to explore how dirty work affects social identity and the perceptions surrounding it.
Conducted in-depth qualitative interviews to gather personal experiences related to dirty work.
Examined the relationship between societal perceptions and the formation of social identities.
Participants recognized the value of their work while facing persistent social prejudices.
A dilemma emerged between maintaining their occupational identity and dealing with stigma.

Abstract

This study, examining the physical, social, and moral dimensions of dirty work, bases its theoretical foundation on Social Identity Theory, which asserts that individuals' self-perceptions are shaped through group membership, and aims to explain the impact of dirty work on social identity. It investigated how individuals stigmatized by their work make sense of their social identities and how societal perceptions shape identity formation through qualitative in-depth interviews. Findings revealed participants regarded their work as valuable, yet widespread prejudices persisted. This situation compels individuals into a dilemma between occupational identity and stigmatization, complicating their construction of positive social identity.

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