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KMID : 0379220160360020395
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Journal of Korea Gerontological Society
2016 Volume.36 No. 2 p.395 ~ p.418
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Study on the Experiences of the Job-seeking Middle-Aged Workers from the Viewpoint of Symbolic Interactionism
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Kim Dong-Seon
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Abstract
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This study examined the age discrimination and its related negative stereotypical beliefs against the middle-aged job seekers. Image transformation of the seekers was also investigated during their reemployment based on Symbolic Interactionism and the strategies of the successful seekers were examined. Total of 17 job seekers, 9 human resources (HR) managers and 4 consultants of employment support service were interviewed for multidimensional analysis on their social interaction processes during employment. The results show that 4 kinds of age discrimination could be classified; direct discrimination in the form of retirement pressure against the aged, indirect discrimination by demoting the aged workers under younger boss which results in unwilling retirement of the aged, perceptional discrimination such as negative languages and attitudes against the middle-aged job seekers and institutional discrimination demanding C.V. s or job interviews which would not be common nor familiar for the middle-aged workers. The images transformation of the job seekers were sought on the basis of Goffman s theory about three identities; Felt identity which are negative stereotypical images didn t affect significantly the middle-aged. On the other hand, they constitute Personal identity rooted on their own strength and virtues which leads to Social identity projected by middle-aged and approved by HR managers. This study also classified three job seeking strategies; age-acceptance strategy such as appealing with tears and pursuing the immaterial rewards, age-utilization strategy such as making use of their social networks and information and age-concealment strategy which manipulates the C.V.s, appearance and attitudes. This study finds out that negative stereotypical images are not insistent and can be changed into better images through social interactions. Besides this research suggests educational programs and support system based on the middled-aged s job seeking strategies.
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KEYWORD
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middle-aged job seekers , reemployment , age discrimination , symbolic interactionism , Goffman s theory of 3 identities , job seeking strategy
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