Immobility in appearance only: Ricoeur and identity dynamics in workplace experiences

Abstract : Immobility in one’s career, marked by a long period of stability in the same position, is not synonymous with the absence of identity mobility, on the contrary. This can be deduced from the information collected from 23 employees in a French association in the social sector. In this research we draw on the notions of idem, ipse and capacity developed by Ricoeur. A model of the cyclical identity dynamics in daily work experience has been developed, while contributing to the topics of identification and career choice. It also questions the impact of dominant social norms that favour professional mobility on managerial practices and deprive employees from a critical form of recognition.