穩定生活多美好？雙北清潔隊的污名、職業認同與家庭關係

Abstract

由於垃圾污名，負責環境保護的清潔隊經常面臨不善意的污名情況，然而他們的離職率卻相當低，似乎在工作中仍能建立職業認同。本文由筆者與雙北清潔隊的日常相處為始，運用訪談與實際田野經驗，試圖探索清潔隊在污名化的環境中如何能抵抗污名語藝，認同此職業並以它為衡量家人工作選擇、子女教養的依據。清潔隊所受污名來自大眾對完成商品消費過程的焦急，對廢棄物的不願直視則延伸至處理垃圾的人身上；在現代，不只工作者直接面對的羞辱，在社交平台、媒體報導等處都還能見到對清潔隊的不善意言論。藉著探討污名語藝敘事的合理性，盼大眾能對基層工作者保持尊重態度。從社會流動與否的角度觀察時，本文統整出清潔隊的代間流動以主動選擇不流動，以及向上流動兩項為主，這樣的選擇與清潔隊介於公務員於勞工之間的階級位置，及台灣社會追求穩定的同時卻望子女成龍鳳的觀念有所關聯。透過清潔隊成員對子女教育和工作選項的安排，本文繪製了台灣的社會空間分布狀態，以圖像展示個案在行動間展現的社會空間觀。Within the realm of environmental protection, cleaning squads often confront unwarranted stigmatization due to the negative associations surrounding waste. Paradoxically, despite the pervasive garbage stigma, these squads exhibit a notably low turnover rate, hinting at the cultivation of a robust professional identity in the face of adversity. This study commences by detailing the author's daily interactions with cleaning squads in Taipei and New Taipei City. Employing a combination of interviews and practical field experiences, the research endeavors to unravel how these squads navigate stigmatized rhetoric in their polluted work environment. Furthermore, it explores how they develop a profound identification with their profession and employ it as a criterion for family work decisions and the upbringing of their children.

The stigma attached to cleaning squads emanates fromsocietal anxiety surrounding the urgency to complete the commodity consumption process. This anxiety, coupled with a reluctance to confront waste directly, extends its reach to those tasked with waste management. In the contemporary landscape, workers not only endure direct humiliation but also encounter disparaging remarks on social platforms and in media reports. By delving into the rationale behind stigmatizing rhetoric and artistic narratives, this study aims to foster a renewed sense of respect for these grassroots workers.From a perspective of social mobility, this research discerns that cleaning squads primarily opt for intergenerational mobility through active decisions to either remain non-mobile or pursue upward mobility. These choices align with the cleaning squads' intermediate class position, straddling the realms of government officials and laborers. Additionally, this mobility pattern resonates with Taiwan's societal inclination towards stability, coupled with the aspiration for children to achieve significant success. Through an examination of how members of cleaning squads shape their children's education and work options, this research sketches the social space distribution in Taiwan. Visual aids are incorporated to vividly illustrate the socio-spatial perspectives manifesting in their day-to-day actions.