Is the vocation paradigm under threat?

Abstract

A characteristic of modern Western societies is the need to find life-meaning in non-religious ways. Work and love have been posited by many as the royal avenues to combating secular disenchantment. In the case of work, the critical ideal has been that of ‘vocation’, as theorised by Weber. But the ideal has been seen, by a range of commentators including Bauman, Sennett, and Graeber, to be under increasing pressure from changes to the nature of work, such as increasing casualisation of the work force. This article looks for clues in popular culture as to whether the work ideal of vocation is under threat; it does not consider the reality of work experience. Three spheres of intense public interest are investigated: high-rating television drama, sport and media coverage of politics. The conclusion that follows is unequivocal: the ideal of vocation remains as strong and pronounced a presence as ever in popular culture.