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oa Both responsiveness and standardization
Constructing institutional realities in intermediate labor markets
- Source: Pragmatics and Society, Volume 17, Issue 1, Jan 2026, p. 1 - 23
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- 02 Sept 2020
- 21 Jan 2025
- 03 Mar 2025
Abstract
Abstract
Intermediate labor markets (ILM) aim to integrate disadvantaged individuals into labor markets by providing subsidized work opportunities. Using membership categorization analysis, we analyzed audio recordings of meetings where ILM professionals plan a new coaching model for a funding application. We examine the question: How do ILM professionals construct and navigate their institutional realities, i.e., their cultures-in-action, by constructing clienthood when planning the new model? We show how the coaches treat both responsiveness to clients’ individual needs and wants and client path standardization as essential elements in their work. However, the self-evident value of responsiveness is often talked into being when describing the plans at a general level; when discussing detailed plans, the extreme ends of client categories are talked into being. We discuss the possibility that emphasizing the extreme ends of clienthood may lead to leaving the variety of individual needs and wants aside in the planning of services.
