This master’s thesis explores the psychosocial aspects of work and job loss among former female workers of the textile factory Mura, which ceased operations in 2019 after nearly a century of activity. For decades, Mura was an important economic and social pillar of the Pomurje region and a significant part of its collective identity. Its collapse reveals broader processes of post-socialist deindustrialisation and their consequences for the workers and the local community. The theoretical part discusses work as a social and identity-forming category, the evolution of its value from the Fordist to the post-Fordist period, and the emergence of precarisation and psychosocial risks in working environments. Particular attention is given to the position of women in factory collectives and their experiences during the period of transition. The empirical part presents a qualitative study based on six semi-structured interviews with former Mura workers. The findings show that the interviewees perceived their work as a source of pride, belonging, and social inclusion, but also as a cause of physical and emotional exhaustion. Working conditions were marked by high production norms, repetitive movements, lack of equipment, poor communication, and feelings of injustice. The company’s collapse and bankruptcy were experienced as a sudden rupture that brought shock, uncertainty, and a loss of dignity. Job loss resulted in the disintegration of collective ties and social security, affecting both mental and physical well-being. Nevertheless, the women developed various coping strategies, relying on family support, co-worker relationships, and community networks. The results highlight the need for comprehensive support systems following job loss, a stronger role of social work within local communities, and systemic measures to protect workers amid deindustrialisation processes. The thesis contributes to understanding the psychosocial consequences of industrial decline and opens avenues for further research on the meaning of work and the experience of its loss.
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