Abstract
The objective of the current study was to explore how South African emerging adults (EAs) who reside in South African townships construct their work identity, and to determine the kind of work EAs from townships in South Africa do and the meaning they derive from it. Using a qualitative approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with 12 Black EAs aged 18–29 from different townships in South Africa. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. The results show that, for example, work means different things to the participants, that their backgrounds are often stumbling blocks to success and that some workplaces can be hostile environments for them. Most importantly, such conditions, it seems, impede the work identity development of incumbents. The results also shed light on the meaning they derive from work and the kind of work they do. The results have implications for professionals who foster the career development of EAs, both within and outside of organisations.
Keywords: Work identity, identity work, emerging adults, Black, township, South Africa