What We've Read |
From bestselling writer David Graeber, a powerful argument against the rise of meaningless, unfulfilling jobs, and their consequences.
Does your job make a meaningful contribution to the world? In the spring of 2013, David Graeber asked this question in a playful, provocative essay titled “On the Phenomenon of Bullshit Jobs.” It went viral. After a million online views in seventeen different languages, people all over the world are still debating the answer. There are millions of people—HR consultants, communication coordinators, telemarketing researchers, corporate lawyers—whose jobs are useless, and, tragically, they know it. These people are caught in bullshit jobs. Graeber explores one of society’s most vexing and deeply felt concerns, indicting among other villains a particular strain of finance capitalism that betrays ideals shared by thinkers ranging from Keynes to Lincoln. Bullshit Jobs gives individuals, corporations, and societies permission to undergo a shift in values, placing creative and caring work at the center of our culture. This book is for everyone who wants to turn their vocation back into an avocation. Thanks to all who joined us to discuss Bullshit Jobs! We had a lively discussion about the pressure to stay busy and work so much, the dangers of perfectionism, and how we can bring the end to capitalism. We felt that the author used questionable research and oversimplified arguments that focused too much on defining "bullshit jobs" and not enough on solutions for how to provide purposeful, socially positive work opportunities to all who want them. Additional Discussion Points/Resources:
0 Comments
|
Join the Discussion!Check back here for reviews and resources shared at our monthly discussions! Archives
May 2023
|
Photo used under Creative Commons from Aidan_S