Boredom and Academic Work

Introducing the notion of boredom into the academic context, Boredom and Academic Work proposes a fresh sociological perspective on boredom and academic work alike. It invites a reader to reflect on the essence of boredom and the nature of academic work from the sociological perspective. It constitutes methodological and conceptual guidance for all those interested in their own emotions both at workand outside. It also provides an original, interactional and essential definition of boredom and a novel standpoint for observing academic work, both in its systemic and practical level, and shows how the academic system influences its subjects' well-being, motivation, emotions, and practices. Covering various approaches from the qualitative methodology, linguistics, sociology of work, emotions, and higher education, and telling a story of research and teaching university staff, the book will be of interest to researchers in a broad range of areas and the general academic public as well.

Introduction Part 1: Defining Boredom 1. Methodological Problems in Dealing with Boredom 2. Theories of Boredom 3. Conceptualisation of Boredom Part 2: Work-Related Boredom of Academics 4. Academic Boredom as a Systemic Issue 5. Academic Boredom in Practice Conclusions

Mariusz Finkielsztein, PhD, adjunct at the Institute of Sociology, Collegium Civitas, Poland. His main interests include sociology of emotions, work, higher education, and creative occupations. The sole organizer of the International Interdisciplinary Boredom Conference in Warsaw between 2015 and 2017 (3 editions) and a co-founder of International Society of Boredom Studies (2021). Website: https://mariuszfinkielsztein.com/