Embodying the state in probation practice :emotional labour and self-alienation.

This chapter explores the concept of emotional labour in the context of probation in England and Wales. Specifically, the chapter argues probation work demands high levels of emotional labour from practitioners and there are numerous ways in which practitioners experience a disconnect between what they feel and what they think they should feel. We analyse the way that probation work asks practitioners to care and control and to be efficient with their emotions before considering the gendered nature of affective displays in probation. This, we argue, gives rise to potential important ramifications for practitioner well-being and shapes their lives outside of work.