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Young is Fun: Examining the Inter-Relations of Play and Age at Work

Author

Listed:
  • Cara Reed

    (Cardiff University, UK)

  • Helen C Williams

    (Swansea University, UK)

  • Katrina Pritchard

    (Swansea University, UK)

Abstract

This article addresses current limitations in theorisations of fun, introducing Turner’s liminoid/liminal distinction of play and work. This suggests engaging in play – liminoid phenomena – releases individuals from everyday societal structures, like age-based identity memberships. Featuring participant data from a large UK-based insurance firm, the research highlights how play activities are underpinned by age-related assumptions. The study makes three contributions. First, conceptualising the ‘pseudo-liminoid’ – a space between work and play where the potential for play to be freeing is curtailed. Second, it problematises common positive attributes of organisational play, suggesting play can reproduce social norms, thus undermining why it was introduced to the organisation. Finally, it highlights how play and fun can be ‘aged’, with implications for how organisations conceive of play’s role in creating an inclusive workplace.

Suggested Citation

  • Cara Reed & Helen C Williams & Katrina Pritchard, 2025. "Young is Fun: Examining the Inter-Relations of Play and Age at Work," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 39(5), pages 1225-1246, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:woemps:v:39:y:2025:i:5:p:1225-1246
    DOI: 10.1177/09500170251343276
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Nick Butler & Sverre Spoelstra, 2024. "Redemption Through Play? Exploring the Ethics of Workplace Gamification," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 193(2), pages 259-270, August.
    2. Philip Hancock & Melissa Tyler, 2024. "Live Performers’ Experiences of Precarity and Recognition during COVID-19 and Beyond," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 38(6), pages 1569-1590, December.
    3. Michelle Mielly & Gazi Islam & Dora Gosen, 2023. "Better Sorry than Safe : Emotional Discourses and Neo-normative Control in a Workplace Safety Council," Post-Print hal-04742797, HAL.
    4. Aurélie Leclercq Vandelannoitte, 2021. "The new paternalism? The workplace as a place to work-and to live," Post-Print hal-03328163, HAL.
    5. Stephen Tetteh & Rebecca Dei Mensah & Christian Narh Opata & Claudia Nyarko Mensah, 2021. "Service employees’ workplace fun and turnover intention: the influence of psychological capital and work engagement," Management Research Review, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 45(3), pages 363-380, August.
    6. Stephen Tetteh & Rebecca Dei Mensah & Christian Narh Opata & Claudia Nyarko Mensah, 2021. "Service employees’ workplace fun and turnover intention: the influence of psychological capital and work engagement," Management Research Review, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 45(3), pages 363-380, August.
    7. Michelle Mielly & Gazi Islam & Dora Gosen, 2023. "Better Sorry than Safe : Emotional Discourses and Neo-normative Control in a Workplace Safety Council," Grenoble Ecole de Management (Post-Print) hal-04742797, HAL.
    8. Glynne Williams, 2020. "Management Millennialism: Designing the New Generation of Employee," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 34(3), pages 371-387, June.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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