YEO MIN EN

M.Soc.Sci. Student

Research Title: Rethinking the Future of Work through Youth Aspirations in the City
Research Group: Political, Economies And Space (PEAS)
Thesis Advisor: Dr Shaun Teo

My research aims to add to the “future of work” scholarship by reconceptualising “work” as an activity that extends beyond “productive waged labour” and “formal employment” and one that is not simply confined by technology as a key driver of change. This involves a reframing of the future of work as one that focuses instead on the human-centered experiences of worker-bodies and their subjectivities. To achieve this, I reimagine the “future of work” through the aspirational practices of youth in the city. My research is situated in Singapore, set against a socio-political environments where youthful bodies are groomed to become productive economic assets to propel state-led development. A main area of focus will be an analysis of young Singaporeans aged 20 – 30 years old who intend to / have chosen to deviate from efforts and lifepaths that reduce them to commodities, seeking out seeking out alternative livelihoods. I wish to give colour to the alternative futures that young people in the city aspire towards, including those that prioritise values such as rest and work-life balance in lieu of traditional markers of success such as material wealth.