Abstract
This mixed-methods study explores the workplace experiences and employee satisfaction of menial laborers. Using an anonymous online survey, this thesis examines workers’ experiences through the lens of K. Marx’s and M. Seeman’s forms of alienation. From the perspective that part of general satisfaction comes from the differences between what an employee value and what they actually perceive at their job, this study found quantitative evidence of the relationships between the need for pride in work and satisfaction. In the data analysis, satisfaction’s predictability is measure both by the perceived experiences of workers but also in the difference in those perceived experiences and the employee’s ideal experiences. From qualitative responses in the survey, this study also highlights the theme of apathy in the sentiments of many menial laborers.
Advisor
Paul Prew
Committee Member
Aaron Hoy
Committee Member
James Wise
Date of Degree
2021
Language
english
Document Type
Thesis
Degree
Master of Arts (MA)
College
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Recommended Citation
Larter, C. (2021). A dozen to one: An examination of workers' satisfaction in menial labor [Master’s thesis, Minnesota State University, Mankato]. Cornerstone: A Collection of Scholarly and Creative Works for Minnesota State University, Mankato. https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/etds/1157/
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Included in
Rights Statement
