Psychology
Emotional Labor and the Gendered Service Economy
Quick fact
Sociologist Arlie Hochschild coined the term 'emotional labor' in 1983 after studying flight attendants, showing that service workers are paid not only to perform tasks but to manage their own emotions for profit—and that this work is disproportionately required from women.
Why this is interesting
Ever felt like you had to smile at a customer when you were falling apart inside? That's not just politeness—it's a hidden form of work that shapes entire industries and hits women hardest.