Research On The Reconstruction Of Unemployed Workers' Identity In The Background Of Unit System

The “work unit system” is a special outcome in the times of planned economy,and also an epitome of the previous economic system in China.Specifically,work unit is a carrier by which the state,as a large economy,can instill its dominant ideology into the mind of individuals and urge them to develop such ideology into inherent mental consciousness.In this way,the state is able to control the lifestyle and thinking habit of every individual in the society and foster a dominant ideology nationwide.Therefore,the “work unit system” is an effective way to control all members of society and finally unite the society.In addition,the “work unit system” is a means that the state uses to allocate resources.It determines the identity of individuals in society and their political and economic status.By virtue of a work unit,individuals can realize their self-worth and social value.It is also an important dimension and factor that affect the identity of individuals.As the reform of economic system deepens to keep with the trend of the times,great changes have also taken place in China's economic and social environment.Such changes are particularly distinct in state-owned enterprises(SOEs).Following the reform of economic system,the “work unit system” and “identify system” in former planned economy gradually disintegrate,while the privileged position of the working class in politics,economy and society also declines.In the wake of the decline of their political and economic status caused by the loss of mastership,traditional industrial workers have to face the loss of exclusively occupied social resources and the decline of their social status.A lot of workers in SOEs were laid off,signifying that the traditional system of life tenure in SOEs comes to an end.Since then,workers have to enter“society” from “work unit”.As a result,identity anxiety and identity crisis are sprawling among industrial workers of SOEs,especially those who lost their job.Based on unique characteristics of “work unit system” in China's economic system,the author investigated the occurrence of identity problem of unemployed workers in Shengli Oil Field of Dongying,the manifestation and influencing factors of identity crisis,the problems arising from cognitive change,and the strategy for identity reconstruction.The theories related to identity,social identity,social integration and social interaction were used to support the present study.By virtue of the narration ofunemployed workers with respect to their memory of work unit during the evolution of“work unit system”,the structure of their daily life was investigated,their identity reconstruction in new environment was analyzed,the new approach to convert their identity during transformation was explored,and the identity reconstruction pattern of unemployed workers from SOEs was studied.In terms of the cause of identity crisis and major factors that influence identity reconstruction,it is proposed that in order to change the identify of unemployed workers during social and economic transformation and help them adapt to new identity,efforts should be made in facilitating role transition and social adaptability of unemployed workers from SOEs,adjusting social and economic structure,developing a flexible employment concept,deepening structural reform of oil field,and improving the reemployment system.