Emotions are a universally recognised and omnipresent phenomenon in both an individual's professional and private life. Emotional labour is the term used to describe the management of emotions in the workplace, and represents an important component of many professions, where employees are expected to express their emotions according to organisational rules and expectations. Emotional labour also occurs in the field of education and is an important aspect of teaching and the profession of educators working in residential care homes. The purpose of this study is to examine the profession of educators in residential care homes, where children with emotional and behavioural problems and disorders are accommodated, from the perspective of emotions and the performance of emotional labour, using sociological analysis. In the theoretical section of the study, I present key concepts and terms for a foundational understanding of the topic, whilst in the empirical section, I focus on educators' experiences and feelings in their professional practice. The research findings demonstrate that educators in residential care homes face a range of emotions in their daily work, both those of the children and their own. In this context, emotional labour plays a crucial role, helping educators cope with emotional intensity, balance professional and personal life.
|