Work represents one of the primary sources of expression of personal identity, and it is a significant means of self-presentation and self-definition. However, certain occupations are often accompanied by a negative stigma that can be projected onto the workers. Much research in the sociological domain has defined stigmatized work activities with the term "dirty work" by referring to occupations perceived as disgusting, degrading, or immoral.

The current project explores the link between tainted occupations and dehumanizing images of workers, namely non-human representations of them. We focused on objectification (i.e., the consideration of others as objects) and biologization (i.e., the consideration of others as contagious entities; see also this project) and found that workers in repetitive, low-autonomy jobs (such as cashiers) tend to be seen as objects or tools rather than human beings. On the other hand, we discovered that particularly dirty work environments (such as those of garbage collectors) can lead people to project the disgust they feel from the environment onto the workers themselves. As a consequence, workers are perceived as less human and more like disease-carrying organisms.

As part of this line of research, we also investigated workplace dehumanization during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on supermarket employees. The study highlighted high rates of burnout and revealed how different burnout profiles were associated with distinct organizational experiences and dehumanizing perceptions. This investigation was the subject of an interview I gave to Corriere della Sera, one of the most prominent Italian newspapers (see here for the Italian article), and a radio segment on Prisma, a program aired by the broadcaster Radio Popolare (see here for the Italian audio, starting at minute 40:22).

This project can contribute to improving workplace policies and public discourse around stigmatized professions. Understanding how certain job features and environments foster dehumanizing (and self-dehumanizing) perceptions can support efforts to enhance workers' dignity, inform training for managers and HR professionals, and guide communication strategies to reduce occupational stigma.

For this line of research, I was honored with the "Young Talents 2023" award, conferred by the University of Milano-Bicocca and the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei.