United by divisions - Disproving McRobbie's statements on the self-employed dilemma

With regards to hours worked, most self-employed people report similar numbers as people in regular employment, approximately forty hours weekly. This contradicts McRobbie’s assertion that self-employed individuals work irregular hours and are thus tremendously disadvantaged by their situation.



As the graph shows, the weekly income of self-employed workers is relatively equally distributed. However, this graph does not document the times when work dries up, as is often the case with self-employed people, who work seasonally or through contracts. Jobs are occasional and/or demand a high degree of focus. 

A quote by McRobbie aptly sums up the truth behind the facade; rather than being the master of one's destiny, we are merely “[Fitting] with the accelerated requirements of high-tech global capitalism…deeply individualised dreams…based on sheer effort…without the resources of welfare.” (McRobbie, 2002:106) In other words, the ideal that self-employment, and the success derived from that, is the pinnacle of individual triumph...is really a complex hoax devised for the mindset of 'common man' by capital-driven institutions in postmodern human societies.

Contrary to popular opinion, “...income levels still show a gap between women and men…[although] the gap has generally narrowed.” (Focusing on women 2005:3) Regardless of the reduced gap, sexual and racial discrimination remain factors in determining salaries.