Review of Burnout Society by Kaushiki Ishwar
Burnout Society & its feminist narratology: Analysis of deontological & Feminist principles of Fatigue
I adore Byung Chun-han’s philosophy, and I’ve spent hours analyzing why he is so pessimistic. In Burnout Society, one of his best books about capitalism and destruction, Han suggests in several chapters that the late-modern individual is being negatively impacted by our competitive, service-oriented societies. Multitasking, “user-friendly” technology, and an easygoing culture aren’t improving things; instead, they’re contributing to a host of issues like depression, attention deficit disorder, and borderline personality disorder. According to Byung-Chul Han, the growing malaise can be attributed to our inability to deal with bad things in a time of abundant positivity and easy access to people and goods. Not only are stress and fatigue personal sensations, but they are also products of society and history. Denouncing a world where each counterintuitive action could result in further disempowerment. “I would subject Kafka’s version to further revision and turn it into an intrapsychic scene: the contemporary achievement-subject perpetrating injury on, and waging war against, itself,” he says, drawing a parallel between Kafka and neurological interpretations of competitiveness.
One could interpret the eagle as the subject’s alter ego if it were to swallow an ever-growing liver. Kafka imagines a healing exhaustion in spite of this: the wound closes wearily. It resists “I-tiredness,” a state in which the ego wears itself out and gets spent; this type of fatigue is brought on by the ego’s recurrent and redundant character.
Additionally, he draws the conclusion that the modern achievement-subject has a different psychology than the disciplinary-subject. Additionally, he criticizes how it is presenting itself as a civilisation of freedom while eschewing the negative aspects of commandments and restrictions. According to him, the Freudian unconscious is not a construct that exists in a temporal vacuum. It is a holdover from the disciplinary society we have long since left behind, one that was ruled by the negative effects of restrictions and repression. The obedience-subject is a subject of duty rather than one of desire or pleasure. As a result, the Kantian subject suppresses its “inclinations” and works to fulfill its obligations. The paradox of post-pint culture is a reflection of the late-modern achievement-subject, which shuns duty-driven endeavors. Its guiding principles are freedom, enjoyment, and inclination rather than compliance, the law, and obligation fulfillment.
He also criticizes the way emotions function. The concept of self-love remains entwined with negativity as it involves diminishing and repelling the Other in preference for the self. This self-centered perspective positions itself in opposition to the Other, leading to the Other’s efforts to maintain a certain distance. Self-love, in this context, requires a clear and defined stance in relation to the Other. In contrast, narcissism blurs this distinction. When afflicted by a narcissistic disorder, an individual becomes excessively absorbed in oneself, losing the clarity of boundaries that distinguish the self from the Other.
From a philosophical standpoint, conflicts often arise from opposing desires or beliefs within an individual, leading to inner turmoil and moral ambiguity. In the post-COVID-19 economy, where uncertainty and instability abound, individuals and institutions may perceive multiple entities as adversaries. Economic downturns, resource scarcity, and geopolitical tensions can amplify these perceptions, fostering a sense of existential threat and competition. This multifaceted landscape mirrors the intricate nature of human consciousness, where conflicting interests and values coexist. Philosophically, grappling with the presence of multiple enemies prompts introspection and the examination of one’s ethical principles and priorities. It underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of interpersonal relationships and societal dynamics in navigating the complexities of the post-pandemic world.
Societal expectations regarding gender roles often impose distinct pressures on individuals, contributing to disparate experiences of burnout. Women, in particular, may find themselves navigating additional stressors related to caregiving expectations both at home and in the workplace. The assumption that women bear the primary responsibility for nurturing roles can intensify their workload, fostering an environment conducive to burnout. The delicate equilibrium between work and personal life plays a crucial role in the manifestation of burnout. Women, especially those fulfilling caregiving roles, encounter difficulties in achieving a balanced work-life dynamic. Juggling professional responsibilities with domestic duties can lead to heightened stress levels and increased susceptibility to burnout. The struggle to maintain equilibrium is exacerbated by societal norms that often place a disproportionate burden on women in managing competing demands.
Double Burden:
The concept of the “double burden” underscores the challenges faced by women as they navigate both professional and domestic spheres. Managing the demands of a career alongside responsibilities at home can result in heightened stress levels and a greater propensity for burnout. This phenomenon is rooted in societal expectations that may not equally distribute caregiving and domestic responsibilities, contributing to a systemic imbalance. Gender disparities within the workplace create an environment where experiences of burnout can vary significantly. Women, confronted with issues such as unequal pay, lack of representation in leadership roles, and workplace discrimination, may encounter unique stressors that increase their vulnerability to burnout. Inequitable treatment within professional settings further compounds the challenges faced by women as they strive to maintain well-being and professional success.
Intersectionality:
Burnout takes on new dimensions when one considers the intersections of gender with other social categories including race, class, and sexual orientation. Women of color, for instance, may confront distinctive challenges that impact their susceptibility to burnout. Intersectional perspectives highlight the importance of recognizing and addressing the interconnected systems of oppression that contribute to differential experiences of burnout among diverse groups of women. Byung-Chul Han’s exploration of self-optimization intersects with gender identity, as societal expectations and norms often pressure individuals to conform to specific gender roles. The constant striving for perfection, driven by societal pressures to meet gendered ideals, can contribute significantly to burnout. Women may find themselves navigating a relentless pursuit of societal expectations, impacting their mental well-being and creating an environment conducive to burnout. The intersection of identity and self-optimization emphasizes the need for a critical examination of societal expectations to foster a healthier and more equitable work-life balance.
Bibliography
Primary work mentioned in the research article: “The Burnout Society” by Byung-Chul Han – This is the primary work where Han explores the concept of burnout in contemporary society.
Articles and Journals:
“Burnout and Gender: A Meta-Analysis” by Bianchi, R., Schonfeld, I. S., & Laurent, E. – A meta-analysis examining gender differences in burnout.
“Double Bind: The Impact of Gender and Parenthood on Stress at Work” by Byron, K. – Explores the challenges faced by individuals managing both career and family responsibilities, with a focus on gender.
“Work-Family Conflict, Policies, and the Job-Life Satisfaction Relationship: A Review and Directions for Organizational Behavior-Human Resources Research” by Allen, T. D., Herst, D. E., Bruck, C. S., & Sutton, M. – Discusses the impact of work-family conflict on well-being and satisfaction, with attention to gender dynamics.
“Intersectionality and the Study of Work–Life Conflict” by Grzywacz, J. G., & Butler, A. B. – Examines how multiple social categories, including gender, intersect to influence experiences of work-life conflict.
Review Articles:
“Gender, Work Stress, and Health” by Krieger, N. – A comprehensive review exploring the links between gender, work-related stress, and health outcomes.
Gender and Burnout in Specific Professions:
“Gender and Burnout in the Nursing Profession” by Dall’Ora, C., Griffiths, P., Ball, J., Simon, M., & Aiken, L. H. – Examines gendered aspects of burnout within the nursing profession.
“Burnout in Female Faculty Members” by Maslach, C., Schaufeli, W. B., & Leiter, M. P. – Focuses on burnout among female faculty members, considering gender-specific factors.
Intersectionality and Mental Health:
“Intersectionality: A Tool for Gender and Economic Justice” by Crenshaw, K. – While not focused on burnout, this foundational work on intersectionality is crucial for understanding how different social categories intersect, including gender and work-related stress.
Kaushiki Ishwar (she/they) is an early career scholar who was pursuing History & Philosophy and a minor in Sociology at Miranda House, University of Delhi. She recently graduated and is now working as a Training and Tournament Lead at India’s Biggest debate ed tech, Indian Debating league. Her areas of research are Feminist Philosophy, Ethics and Epistemology, Historical. She loves to explore the realms of comparative, public, cultural and intellectual history. She also has a lot of interest in critical theory with special emphasis on delving into Derrida, Foucault and Andrea Dworkin’s work. She is an aspiring Philosopher, critical theorist and cultural critic.
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