David L. Blustein

Autobiography 

David L. Blustein is a Professor in the Department of Counseling, Developmental, and Educational Psychology at the Lynch School of Education at Boston College. David is the author of The Psychology of Working: A New Perspective for Career Development, Counseling, and Public Policy and a The Importance of Work in an Age of Uncertainty: The Eroding Experience of Work in America. He also has contributed research articles and book chapters on the psychology of working theory, unemployment, work-based counseling/career development education, decent work, precarious work, relationships and work, and other aspects of the role of work in people’s lives. David has consulted with national and international organizations, such as the International Labor Organization and the United Nations Development Program. He also has given keynote addresses in Portugal, Poland, Italy, Iceland, Israel, Turkey, New Zealand, Norway, Australia, Switzerland, and China.

_{THE CONFERENCE LECTURE:}

"Elaborating Precarity and the pandemic: The search for stability and purpose in work"

This presentation is framed about the precariousness of life and work, which has been intensified during the pandemic. I will describe how the massive disruptions in work have resulted in psychological precarity that is reflected in a deep sense of feeling untethered and alone in a frightening world. Using psychology of working theory as the conceptual scaffolding, I then will identify systemic changes that are needed in the institution of work in order to rebuild a more humane work life for people.  In addition, individual work-based and psychological interventions that can enhance resilience, critical consciousness, and flexibility will conclude the presentation.