Critical social theory and the end of work

Granter, E

Abstract

This PhD research examines the development and sociological significance of the
idea that work is being eliminated through the use of automated production
technology. After examining historically, culturally and theoretically contested
definitions of the concept of work, it looks at the idea of the abolition of work in
Utopian writing, from More to Morris. Next, the argument that Karl Marx, perhaps
surprisingly, can be seen as the quintessential end of work theorist, is presented.
At the centre of the project is an analysis of Herbert Marcuse's contribution to
debates around the end of work. A discussion of Andre Gorz follows, with
particular attention to the parallels in Marcuse and Gorz's approach. As part of the
next chapter, the way ideas about the end of work have surfaced at a practical
level, including the so called 'revolt against work' in 1970's North America, is
addressed. This is followed by an examination of how ideas about the future of
work were expressed during the 1970's and 80's. The thesis moves on to examine
the notion of the end of work from a different perspective; having so-far looked at
the end of work as a social phenomenon, the project will survey the arguments
around the move away from work as a sociological category; this chapter engages
with postmodernism and the supposed move from the 'metaphysic of labour' to
the 'metaphysic of consumption'. The thesis concludes with an assessment of the
status of theories of the end of work as critical theories which address changing
social, cultural and economic conditions.

Citation

Granter, E. Critical social theory and the end of work. (Thesis). University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Aug 18, 2021
• Award Date: Nov 1, 2007