In today’s world, we have an intriguing relationship with work. Despite technological advancements that could potentially reduce the need for human labor, we continue to create jobs, often just for the sake of having work. This phenomenon is particularly evident in the services sector, where many jobs seem to exist simply because society believes humans need organized work. This raises the question: are these jobs truly necessary, or are they what some might call “bullshit jobs”?
Throughout history, each technological revolution has led to fears of job loss. However, humans have always found ways to create new jobs. The invention of machines that harness energy from fossil fuels promised a future where technology would reduce the need for labor. Visionaries like Benjamin Franklin and John Maynard Keynes imagined a world where technological progress would lead to a post-work society.
In 1930, Keynes wrote an essay titled “Economic Possibilities for our Grandchildren,” predicting that by 2030, people would work no more than 15 hours a week. He believed that advancements in productivity and technology would create an economic utopia where everyone’s basic needs were easily met. Interestingly, we surpassed the productivity levels Keynes anticipated by 1980, yet we still work similar hours to those in 1930.
Economists often argue that work is necessary to solve the economic problem of scarcity. Historically, humans have struggled to survive in a world of limited resources. The transition from hunting and gathering to agriculture increased productivity and led to the development of societies with infinite needs. This drive for accumulation and surplus creation was evolutionarily advantageous, but it has also instilled a relentless work ethic in us.
Today, we live in an era of abundance, where more food is wasted than consumed. Despite this, we continue to organize our economies as if scarcity is still a pressing issue. This raises the question of whether our work habits are driven by cultural inertia and institutional structures.
Keynes believed that the main obstacle to achieving an economic utopia was our instinct to work, forged through evolution. However, the very work ethic that brought us prosperity might now be causing harm. If Keynes were alive today, he might advise us to “take it easy” and embrace change.
Many people are beginning to question the purpose of their work, recognizing the complexity and apparent purposelessness of some jobs. There is growing interest in alternatives like universal basic income, reflecting a shift in how we view work and the economy.
During the COVID-19 lockdowns, many of us discovered new passions, becoming amateur artists, cooks, and bakers. This suggests that humans have an innate desire to work, but perhaps in ways that are meaningful and fulfilling. Imagine a world where everyone could pursue work they love, rather than jobs they feel obligated to do. Such a world would likely be richer and more productive in ways that truly matter to people.
As we continue to explore these ideas, we may find new ways to organize our economies and societies, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and balanced way of life.
Engage in a structured debate with your peers about the necessity of “bullshit jobs.” Divide into two groups: one arguing that these jobs are essential for economic and social stability, and the other arguing that they are unnecessary and should be eliminated. Use evidence from the article and additional research to support your arguments.
Conduct a research project on how technological advancements have historically impacted work and employment. Focus on different eras, such as the Industrial Revolution or the Digital Age, and present your findings in a presentation. Highlight any parallels you find with the current situation described in the article.
Participate in a workshop where you brainstorm and design a model for a post-scarcity economy. Consider factors such as universal basic income, reduced work hours, and the role of technology. Present your model to the class and discuss its feasibility and potential impact on society.
Write a reflective essay on your personal work ethic and what you find fulfilling in work. Consider how your views align or contrast with the ideas presented in the article. Reflect on whether you believe your future career path will be meaningful or if it might fall into the category of a “bullshit job.”
Create a short story, video, or artwork that imagines a world where “bullshit jobs” do not exist. Explore how society functions, how people find fulfillment, and what new forms of work might emerge. Share your creative project with the class and discuss the implications of such a world.
Work – Effort directed toward producing or accomplishing something, often for economic gain or as part of a job. – In modern economies, the nature of work is rapidly changing due to technological advancements and globalization.
Economy – The system of production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services within a society or geographic area. – The global economy has been significantly impacted by the recent financial crisis, affecting trade and employment worldwide.
Scarcity – The fundamental economic problem of having seemingly unlimited human wants in a world of limited resources. – Scarcity forces societies to make decisions about how to allocate resources efficiently.
Productivity – The measure of the efficiency of production, often quantified as the ratio of outputs to inputs in the production process. – Increasing productivity is essential for economic growth and improving living standards.
Society – A group of individuals involved in persistent social interaction, or a large social group sharing the same geographical or social territory. – The structure of society influences economic policies and the distribution of resources.
Jobs – Positions of employment that involve performing specific tasks or duties in exchange for compensation. – The rise of automation is transforming the types of jobs available in the labor market.
Culture – The set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices that characterizes an institution, organization, or group. – Corporate culture can significantly affect employee satisfaction and productivity.
Income – Money received, especially on a regular basis, for work or through investments. – Income inequality remains a critical issue in many societies, influencing social and economic policies.
Technology – The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry and commerce. – Advances in technology have led to increased productivity but also pose challenges for employment.
Evolution – The gradual development of something, especially from a simple to a more complex form. – The evolution of economic systems reflects changes in societal values and technological capabilities.
