Unemployment and marriage–the psychological meaning of work

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Abstract
The loss of employment may often have a meaning and impact beyond that of loss of income. Using a psychoanalytic framework, this paper explores some of the psychological meanings and purposes which may be attached to particular work and work roles and the psychological impact, therefore, of the loss of these meanings and purposes when the work activity is lost. Particular attention is paid to the couple relationship. If work is used to contain certain internal needs and conflicts, redundancy or unemployment may expose them and they may then influence the nature of individual, couple, family and social relationships.