Decent work, meaningful work, and youth: converting meaning into meaningfulness
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1590/1982-7849rac2027250426.enKeywords:
meanings of work, meaningful work, youth , decent workAbstract
Objective: To investigate how stated representations of work (meaning) translate into lived experiences of meaningfulness among young people in the Rumo Certo Program assigned to municipal offices of Boa Vista (RR). Theoretical framework: Based on the conceptual distinction between meaning and meaningfulness and on the principles of decent work, linking work meanings, socialization and job crafting. Method: Qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews with ten young participants and thematic content analysis. Results: Meaning is associated with learning, maturation and a ritual sense of passage to adulthood. Meaningfulness emerges in relational experiences (recognition, trust and learning opportunities), but is weakened by low pay, temporary contracts and limited autonomy. The conversion between meaning and meaningfulness depends on the formalization of the employment relationship, supervisory/support practices and individual agency strategies. Conclusions: The Rumo Certo program functions as a space of transition and labor socialization that enhances learning and belonging, but its capacity to produce full meaningfulness is constrained by structural factors; therefore, strengthening employment ties and managerial practices oriented toward decent work is recommended
Downloads
Submitted
Posted
How to Cite
Section
Copyright (c) 2026 Silas Dias Mendes Costa, Sara Raquel Duarte Barbosa
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Plaudit
Data statement
-
The research data cannot be made publicly available
- O conjunto de dados que fundamenta os resultados do estudo não está disponível publicamente em razão dos compromissos éticos de confidencialidade, sigilo e privacidade assumidos com os participantes, conforme estabelecido no Termo de Consentimento Livre e Esclarecido (TCLE). O documento informa expressamente que todas as informações coletadas seriam confidenciais e utilizadas exclusivamente para a pesquisa, assegurando a preservação do sigilo e da privacidade dos participantes em todas as etapas do estudo. Nesse sentido, a disponibilização pública das gravações ou mesmo as transcrições das entrevistas, mesmo após a remoção de informações diretamente identificáveis, poderia comprometer esses compromissos, considerando a possibilidade de identificação indireta dos participantes a partir de suas narrativas e experiências. Assim, em respeito ao consentimento concedido, à confiança estabelecida entre pesquisadores e participantes e aos princípios éticos que orientam a pesquisa com seres humanos, optou-se por não disponibilizar publicamente os dados brutos da pesquisa.
