What Judges Think About the Meaning of their Work
8 Pages Posted: 7 Jun 2019
Date Written: February 7, 2019
Abstract
Although there have been studies about the meaning of work in fields such as health and education, there is a lack of research about the work of judges. In order to fill this gap, this article used the dimensions centrality (values and behavioural aspects comparing work and other spheres of life such as family, religion, and leisure), social norms (rights and duties), objectives, and results valued at work, to describe the meaning of work for judges. Twenty judges in Brazilian state courts of first instance were interviewed using semi-structured interview script. Data were analysed using textual and content analysis. The results showed that there is no consensus on the centrality of work, in respect of either time or the work / life balance, although most interviewees stated that the family is a priority dimension, followed by work and religion. The judges interviewed held the social norm that work is more of a duty than a right. Although feelings of frustration and happiness are counterbalanced among the judges interviewed, research data converge on the positive conclusion that work is seen as a value-generating activity for society.
Keywords: Judicial Administration, Work of Judges, Meaning of Work
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