Professional Emptiness and Identity Crisis among Contractual Professors in Algerian Universities: A Socio-Psychological Case Study of the Universities of Bouira, Djelfa, and Laghouat

The growing prevalence of contractual employment in higher education has raised critical questions regarding professional identity, stability, and motivation among academic staff.This study examines the phenomenon of professional emptiness among contractual professors in Algerian universities, with particular emphasis on the institutions of Bouira, Djelfa, and Laghouat.Professional emptiness is understood as a state of social and occupational disorientation, characterized by feelings of instability, lack of recognition, and diminished professional identity within the academic community.Drawing upon sociological and psychological perspectives, the study explores how contractual employment intersects with issues of job insecurity, professional burnout, role conflict, and social alienation.The theoretical framework builds on Durkheim's notion of work as a central mechanism of social integration, alongside contemporary theories of professional identity and organizational behavior.The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining sociological surveys, interviews, and statistical analysis to capture the multidimensional reality of contractual academic life.The findings reveal that contractual professors frequently experience a diminished sense of professional belonging, inadequate institutional support, and persistent insecurity regarding contract renewal.These conditions often lead to decreased motivation, professional burnout, and a perception of marginalization within their institutions.By addressing this phenomenon, the study contributes to the understanding of how precarious employment