Hochschild's theory of emotional labor

Hochschild's theory of emotional labor refers to the process by which individuals manage their emotions to meet the expectations of their job, often in roles that require interacting with others, like service or caregiving professions. Workers consciously regulate their feelings to create a specific emotional experience for customers or clients, sometimes leading to a disconnect between their true emotions and the feelings they display. This can be demanding and may cause stress or emotional exhaustion if the effort to maintain this façade becomes overwhelming, highlighting the psychological toll of jobs focused on external emotional expression.