The future of work is a hot topic, with predictions ranging from utopian visions of technological liberation to dystopian fears of widespread unemployment. Four frameworks have been proposed to make sense of these diverging views: labour as a commodity, labour as a service, labour as a calling, and labour as a social construct.
Each framework presents a different perspective on the role of labour and the individual in society. Viewing labour as a commodity focuses on the economic exchange involved in work, while seeing it as a service emphasises the value created through the worker’s skills and abilities. Treating labour as a calling highlights the personal fulfilment and sense of purpose derived from work. Lastly, considering labour as a social construct underscores the social and cultural factors that shape our understanding of work.
These frameworks are not mutually exclusive; they can coexist and interact in complex ways. For example, a job could be a means to earn a living (commodity), a way to utilise skills (service), a source of personal satisfaction (calling), and a social role (social construct). Understanding these frameworks can help navigate the changing landscape of work and inform policy decisions.
The future of work is uncertain, but these frameworks provide a tool for grappling with its complexity. They encourage us to think critically about the assumptions underlying predictions about the future of work and to consider the broader implications for society.
Go to source article: http://www.zephoria.org/thoughts/archives/2014/10/08/frameworks-for-understanding-the-future-of-work.html