The American Work Culture

Paper Summary:

This paper relates that in America, even the wealthiest Americans, such as Bill Gates, who certainly do not need to work hard, seem to revel in overwork and even pride themselves on being considered "work-alcoholics". The author points out that, despite the use of technology to do many of the more routine work functions, many people are working longer hours because they want more material goods. The paper explains that another reason for overwork, which is not be mandated by the company, is the competition for a promotion and other bonuses.

From the Paper:

"Schumacher is far more concerned with the quality of life- no matter the number of hours increasing or decreasing. As he says: "People are worrying their heads about their standard of living when the world around them, where it really matters, is collapsing." Schor, on the other hand, is not worrying about a standard of living as much as a reduction in working hours. What would be useful, in an updated version of this book, would be to determine what the working people would do with extra leisure hours. Surely, some would do repairs on their homes or cars, mow or seed their lawns, even just relax with a beer and watch TV sports. But, what have we- as a society gained- from increased leisure time."

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