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Developing an understanding of meaningful work in economics: the case for a heterodox economics of work

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  • David A. Spencer

Abstract

The idea that work has meaning and is meaningful beyond its contribution to consumption has been largely absent from mainstream economics. This paper gives reasons for why mainstream economics has neglected the idea of meaningful work. It identifies the idea of the disutility of work, the assumption of free choice on the part of workers and the use of a formal and individualistic method as key constraints on the ability of mainstream economics to incorporate the idea of meaningful work. It also addresses the contribution of happiness economics and shows how it is unable to encompass the idea of meaningful work. Ideas on work from heterodox economics are then discussed. These ideas provide essential insight and inspiration for the incorporation of the idea of meaningful work into the economics of work. In all respects, the paper seeks to contribute towards the development and promotion of a heterodox economics of work that has the goal of meaningful work at its centre.

Suggested Citation

  • David A. Spencer, 2015. "Developing an understanding of meaningful work in economics: the case for a heterodox economics of work," Cambridge Journal of Economics, Cambridge Political Economy Society, vol. 39(3), pages 675-688.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:cambje:v:39:y:2015:i:3:p:675-688.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/cje/beu074
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    Cited by:

    1. Hafiz Muhammad Farrukh Tahir & Sohaib Uz Zaman, 2021. "Freelancers Perception towards Remittance Policies and its Consequences on the Economy of Pakistan," International Journal of Publication and Social Studies, Asian Economic and Social Society, vol. 6(1), pages 18-33, June.
    2. Harry Hummels & Patrick Nullens, 2022. "‘Other-wise’ Organizing. A Levinasian Approach to Agape in Work and Business Organisations," Humanistic Management Journal, Springer, vol. 7(2), pages 211-232, October.
    3. Nikolova, Milena & Cnossen, Femke, 2020. "What makes work meaningful and why economists should care about it," Labour Economics, Elsevier, vol. 65(C).
    4. FitzRoy, Felix & Nolan, Michael A., 2021. "The Inefficiency of Employment and the Case for Workplace Democracy," IZA Discussion Papers 14065, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    5. FitzRoy, Felix & Nolan, Michael A., 2020. "Towards Economic Democracy and Social Justice: Profit Sharing, Co-Determination, and Employee Ownership," IZA Discussion Papers 13238, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    6. Stephens, Thomas C., 2023. "Change, stagnation, and polarisation in UK job quality, 2012-2021: evidence from a new Quality of Work index," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 120050, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    7. Humberto Charles-Leija & Carlos G. Castro & Mario Toledo & Rosalinda Ballesteros-Valdés, 2023. "Meaningful Work, Happiness at Work, and Turnover Intentions," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(4), pages 1-15, February.

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