Underemployment, Unemployment, Gender and Changing Conditions of (Non)Work under Neoliberalism

Recent neoliberal restructuring of economies has reshaped conditions of work in various parts of the world. New forms of work demand employees to be flexible and able to adapt to changes in the labor market. Recent research has also demonstrated that neoliberalism not only reshapes conditions of employment but also of unemployment and underemployment. This article provides a review of the literature on the debate regarding the definition of neoliberalism and changing conditions of (non)work under neoliberalism. The paper aims to show that qualitative social science research can provide a fruitful base from which to analyze the way in which neoliberalism reshapes how individuals react to conditions of (non)work on the ground. For this, two examples of ethnographic studies are given which analyze local manifestations of changing conditions of (non)work under neoliberalism. The paper suggests that further research might do well to focus on reflections of these changing global circumstances in Turkey. Moreover, research conducted on how individuals adapt to changes in the labor market as well as the consequences of these changes for individuals’ social lives, educational opportunities and their access to healthcare in Turkey could contribute greatly to the international literature on neoliberalism and new forms of work.