Making Light Work - An End to Toil in the Twenty-First Century

DA Spencer

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English

Polity Press
11 February 2022

Economics & Business; Labour economics; Political economy

Is work a primordial curse? Or a spiritual calling? Or is it a tedious necessity that technology will abolish, freeing us to indulge lives of leisure?

In this book David A. Spencer argues that work is only an alienating burden because of the nature of work under capitalism. He makes the case not for the abolition of work - which can remain a source of meaning and dignity - but for its lightening. Engaging with thinkers ranging from Marx and William Morris to Keynes and Graeber, he rejects the idea that high-quality work can only be open to a few while the majority are condemned to menial tasks, and sets out an agenda for shortening the working week while also making work a site of creativity, usefulness and joy for all.

This erudite book sets out a compelling agenda for radical change. It's essential reading for anyone interested in the future of their work.

By: DA Spencer
Imprint: Polity Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 217mm, Width: 138mm, Spine: 18mm
Weight: 286g
ISBN: 9781509548637
ISBN 10: 1509548637
Pages: 200
Publication Date: 11 February 2022
Audience: Professional and scholarly , Undergraduate
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter 2: Meanings of Work Chapter 3: The (Lost) Dream of Working Less Chapter 4: Realities of Work: From Bullshit Jobs to Good Work Chapter 5: Demanding Better Work for All Chapter 6: Automation and a World without Work Chapter 7: Working for Change Chapter 8: Conclusion Notes References

David A. Spencer is Professor of Economics and Political Economy at the University of Leeds.

Reviews for Making Light Work - An End to Toil in the Twenty-First Century

'Bold and lucid.' Robert Skidelsky, Emeritus Professor of Political Economy, Warwick University 'David Spencer has set out a forceful case for a future that would bring less but better work for all, permeated by the visionary ideas of Marx and Morris.' Francis Green, Professor of Work and Education Economics, UCL Institute of Education 'Making Light Workwill inspire you to contemplate the heavy work necessary for lightening work to make it more meaningful and less burdensome.' John W. Budd, University of Minnesota