Lecture 2: The Meaning of Work

Agricultural growth in rural areas, preceding the Industrial Revolution, supported by mechanization.

The use of machines to perform tasks previously done by hand, impacting agriculture and industry.

New sources of energy like electricity, gas, and oil, influencing technological advancements and work patterns.

Advancements in electronics like telegraphs, telephones, and computers, leading to new communication and industry

A period of significant technological changes and industrial growth marked by mechanization and new energy sources.

Work's changing meaning throughout history, from drudgery to something intrinsically meaningful

Mechanistic mass production can lead to workers losing motivation to work.

People seeking meaning and fulfillment outside of their job.

Work's significance to individuals, including its purpose, values associated with it, and how it relates to other aspects of life.

Work in societies before large-scale industrialization. It could involve farming, crafts, or domestic activities. Compensation was often direct exchange or bartering, rather than salaries.

Work that took the form of repetitive tasks in factories. Characterized by mass production and specific jobs.

Work changing due to technology and services taking precedence. Includes jobs in new industries and changing job stability, potentially leading to more precarious work.

An era of work marked by digitization, interconnectivity, automation, and smart technology. It's transforming the nature of employment greatly.

Work involving digitization, interconnectivity, virtualisation, automation and smart technology; part of the Industry 4.0 era, transforming how people work.

Job insecurity, characterized by unstable contracts, unpredictable income, and limited benefits.

Work is a significant aspect of personal identity and well-being, shaping how people structure their lives.

Work provides individuals with social standing and access to resources, affecting family positions and community connections.

Losing a job can lead to feelings of isolation due to the loss of social connections and reduced economic stability.

Having a job is linked to greater life satisfaction, reduced anxiety, and higher job performance.

Finding personal meaning and purpose in a career, which can lead to higher job commitment but may require sacrifices.

Personal experiences shape our understanding of the purpose and value of work.

Continuously acquiring knowledge and skills throughout one's life.

Maintaining harmony between work and personal life.

Creating new products focused on human needs.

Period where work shifted away from religious focus to factory-based production.

An era of information production, moving from factory work to office work, technology driven

Breaking down tasks into smaller, specialized parts.

Societies emphasizing internally driven values.

Societies that emphasize externally driven factors.

Shifting concepts from past to now in understanding the role and purpose of work.

The ongoing process where individuals interpret the meaning of their work, considering its impact on their relationships and experiences within the workplace.

An individual's perception of the tasks and activities that constitute their job, and the perceived value of those tasks.

An individual's perception of their position within the social structure of an organization, and the perceived value of that position.

An individual's self-understanding and narratives about their identity and qualities in relation to their work, including the perceived value of those qualities within the job.

Significant changes in how organizations operate, including shifts towards smaller organizations, a change of focus from products to services, and a decline of the traditional 'job' as a fixed set of tasks.

The influence of these changes on work and organizations, such as an increase in global competition, the need for re-engineered business processes, and a decreasing reliance on traditional 'jobs' with defined tasks.

In the face of organizational transitions, the meaning of work has shifted, requiring individuals to actively make sense of their jobs beyond just completing tasks.

The impact of employment changes on the balance of power within families, particularly with the growing focus on meaning and fulfillment in work.

The significance and purpose work holds in an individual's life, including values, fulfillment, and its connection to other aspects of life.

Factors that contribute to individuals finding meaning in their work. These can include personal growth, making a difference, or feeling connected to others.

A source of work meaning that emphasizes self-agency and finding value in establishing oneself as a capable and independent individual.

A source of work meaning that comes from feeling like one is making a positive impact on others or society.

A source of work meaning that involves feeling connected to and aligned with one's personal identity.

A source of work meaning that focuses on a sense of belonging and community, finding harmony and connection with others.

Unemployment can significantly impact individuals' lives, leading to a complex range of experiences such as decreased financial stability, social isolation, and a decline in self-esteem.

Unemployment exacerbates classism, the systematic oppression of disadvantaged groups, by further limiting access to financial power and societal influence.

A psychological process where individuals internalize the negative societal messages about their own class, leading to feelings of inferiority and shame.

Underemployment, where individuals are overqualified or underpaid, hinders their sense of purpose and fulfillment, preventing them from fully utilizing their skills and potential.

The degree of importance that work holds in an individual's life, influencing how they prioritize and value their work.

When work is a significant part of one's identity and well-being, driving their motivation and providing a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

A perspective that views work meaning as a social construct, shaped by how individuals and society interpret and value different work experiences.

Core beliefs and principles that guide individuals' preferences and behavior in the workplace, shaping their priorities and what they seek from their jobs.

Specific values that individuals may prioritize at work, including economic rewards, personal growth, social connections, or a sense of accomplishment.