Teaching the Precariat:

Reflections from the Classroom

This week continuing the work on understanding the Precariat and how neoliberalism plays a role in ‘Precarity & Insecure Lives’, we discussed Guy Standing’s influential concept of the “Precariat.” This session was part of our ongoing exploration of contemporary social class, work, and the impacts of neoliberalism on everyday life.

Who Are the Precariat?

We began by unpacking Standing’s argument that the “Precariat” is a new and growing social class—people living and working in conditions of insecurity, instability, and unpredictability. Many are in low-paid, temporary, or gig economy jobs, with little protection or long-term prospects. We discussed how this group is shaped by neoliberal policies that prioritise market flexibility over social security, and how this leads to widespread anxiety, alienation, anomie and anger.

Connecting Theory to Lived Experience

To bring these ideas to life, I asked students to work in groups and think about real-world examples of people in precarious employment and precarious living situations. The aim was to move beyond abstract theory and consider how these forms of insecurity are deeply interconnected—how unstable work can lead to unstable housing, poor health, and social exclusion. This work also aimed to build on the work we did in this previous session (below).

Back in the Classroom: Neoliberalism, Precarity, and the Stories We Tell

Group Work in Action

Each group mapped out their ideas on flipchart paper, drawing connections between different aspects of precariousness. Some highlighted the impact of zero-hours contracts and gig work; others focused on the emotional toll—stress, uncertainty, and the erosion of community. The diversity of examples was striking, ranging from people juggling multiple jobs to other workers facing benefit cuts and fine family balances.

Reflections and Insights

What stood out most was the students’ ability to link the personal with the political. Their discussions showed a real grasp of how neoliberalism isn’t just an economic policy—it’s something that shapes identities, relationships, and everyday experiences. Many groups also raised important questions about what can be done: How might policy respond to the rise of the Precariat? What alternatives exist to precarious work?

All pages reproduced here with student consent.