Article
Undoing Work, Rethinking Community : A Critique of the Social Function of Work
Choice: Current Reviews for Academic Libraries
(2018)
Abstract
Chamberlain (Mississippi State) suggests there is an overemphasis on paid work in a capitalist society for defining individual success. He strongly supports unconditional basic income (UBI), which can provide individuals with the opportunity to volunteer or do other social functions without the burden of finding a livable wage. UBI can subsidize individuals who cannot make ends meet in low paying jobs. It can also reduce the economic insecurity of job losses and major changes in labor markets to provide individuals with more control over their life. They would be able to pay for basic things to make the economy more efficient and increase employment. He concedes that it is difficult to know in advance what the precise impact would be on unemployment and the economy with this proposal. Unemployment insurance, higher minimum pay, work-life balance, Keynesian economic theory, employee-friendly flexibility, the effectiveness of labor unions such as the Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization (PATCO), and the 2016 American presidential election are discussed. This book is highly theoretical and provides a contemporary look at Marxism.
Publication Date
September, 2018
Citation Information
G. E. Kaupins. "Undoing Work, Rethinking Community : A Critique of the Social Function of Work" Choice: Current Reviews for Academic Libraries Vol. 56 Iss. 1 (2018) p. 98 - 98 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/gundars_kaupins/108/