Between Social Involvement and Working for a Living: Activism and Work in the Narratives of Female Activists with Disabilities in Poland

This paper explores the intersection of activism and paid work in the narratives of women with disabilities living in Poland and identifying themselves as activists. Based on narrative interviews, the study examines how the women navigate their roles as activists and workers, addressing, among other things, identity, self-advocacy, and the challenges of balancing activism with financial stability. The findings reveal four ideal types of activists: the precarian activist, the full-time activist, the manager activist, and the leisure time activist, each employing specific strategies to integrate or separate activism and paid work. The research highlights how activism serves not only as a form of social involvement but also as a means of professional development, identity-building, and self-actualization. It challenges traditional discourses on vocational activation, emphasizing the agency of women with disabilities in shaping their careers and contributing to their communities.