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1 NOVEMBER 2010
NO 1648
Meaning
TBruner [1990] argues that in order to understand
humans, we have to understand how experiences and acts are shaped by
intentional states and that the form of these in tentional states is
realized through participation in the symbolic systems of culture.
Indeed, the very shape of our lives—the rough and changing draft of our
autobiography that we carry in our minds—is understandable to ourselves and
others only by those cultural systems of interpretation. [Bruner 1990: 33]
In [Child and Youth Care], meaning can be defined as acting with purpose in
the context of one’s cultural or familial or social experience. A way of
moving, a gesture, a spoken word, a ritual or a way of solving a problem
that has meaning within one’s past or present family, group, community life.
It is also the meaning arrived at through what has been referred to as a
mutually constructed reality or the common ground that is sometimes needed
for two or more people to communicate and solve problems. Meaning is also
the sense of two people who are acting together with a positive purpose,
even if the purpose or meaning of the action is different for each
participant.
A worker or youth acts because he or she believes it is right to act and
that the actions will bring fulfillment for oneself as well as others. A
worker and youth find a common purpose and act together because they believe
it is best. A worker or youth acts because the actions create something that
feels familiar or good or safe. A piece of bread buttered, a collar buttoned
or unbuttoned, a phrase delivered, a ball batted, or a fork held in a
certain way because it evokes these feelings. Or perhaps a problem is
resolved or an effort undertaken in a way that one believes will lead to the
best results. A sense of meaning or purpose is conveyed by workers to youths
and often vice-versa through actions and words. Through reframing a
situation so that there is common, or acceptance of different, purpose.
Through contentment or joy or enthusiasm. Through conviction. Through
confidence that what one is doing is wholesome and good. Through actions
that are consistent with the intended purpose. Through the message: We are
doing this together, with meaning, you and I. The process and the outcome of
our actions will be fruitful. I understand that it might have a different
meaning for you, but I hope and believe it will be fulfilling.
MARK KRUEGER
Krueger, M. (1996) Job satisfaction for Child and
Youth Care Workers. CWLA, pp. 48-49
