6533b85bfe1ef96bd12baaab
RESEARCH PRODUCT
Tensions and striving for coherence in an academic’s professional identity work
Maarit Arvajasubject
dialogicalityDiscourse analysisitsedialogical selfIdentity (social science)050109 social psychologyhenkilöllisyysConstructiveEducationammatti-identiteettiselfAdult educationdialogisuusPedagogyta5160501 psychology and cognitive sciencesNarrativeSociologyprofessional identity05 social sciencesDialogical selfProfessional development050301 educationtensionManagerialismI-positionidentity (societal properties)ammatillinen kehitys0503 educationprofessional developmentdescription
The emergence of ‘new managerialism’ in academic institutions and professions has given rise to tensions between one’s professional self and work context. Such tensions often originate from a misalignment between institutional and personal values. This study builds on a dialogical approach to identity and discusses the role of inner tensions and conflicts in terms of making sense of one’s professional identity. These aspects are explored and exemplified by introducing a sample case of one individual student and university researcher/teacher, Anna, who participated in one-year Pedagogical Studies for Adult Educators. Leaning on the narratives of Anna’s learning diaries and a later interview, the article describes tensions and critical conflicts in her professional I-positioning. The study shows how tensions and their resolutions, at their best, can lead to constructive identity work, thereby finding a new personal sense resulting in a more integrated professional identity. peerReviewed
| year | journal | country | edition | language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017-09-21 |