CultureSeptember 1, 2026
casualised
KAZH-oo-uh-lyzd
Definition
Referring to an employment structure where workers are hired on a short-term, contract, or irregular basis rather than in secure, permanent, or salaried positions.
Etymology
Derived from the word 'casual,' which comes from the Latin 'casualis,' meaning 'happening by chance.' The suffix '-ise' was added to denote the process of making labor arrangements less formal or permanent.
In the news
The article uses the term to describe how arts organizations rely on project-based work, which allows them to easily cut ties with artists and avoid the responsibilities associated with permanent employees.
Who should assume the risk when art gets controversial – the artist or their employer?
Read the full article ↗The Conversation