Open access
BEYOND THE MAINSTREAM REFLECTIONS OVER THE FUTURE OF WORK: THE CASE OF “BULLSHIT JOBS”
Maciej KRYSZCZUK1
Innovation – creation, effects, evaluations
Publication language: Polish
Journal article
Transformations No. 1-2 (92-93) 2017, Publication date: 22 May 2017
Keywords: bullshit jobs, end of labour, automatization, Internet of Things (IoT), computerization, human labour, work beyond the market
Abstract This article is a critical evaluation of the concept of "bullshit jobs," proposed by David Graeber as an explanation for the failure of John M. Keynes's famous prediction that working time will be reduced as a result of technological progress. David Graeber is a well-known activist and popular anthropologist working at the London School of Economics. He examines contemporary labour relations from an unorthodox perspective: he is not an economic liberal, but his view also differ from the (neo) Marxists and interventions, pragmatically opting for a "welfare state". According to Graeber, the reason for the growing number of job categories characterized by subjective meaninglessness and dubious usefulness and social significance are, among others reasons, divorcing the economy from reality, i.e. artificial growth of the financial sector occurring with the acceptance of political authorities. In addition, people performing "bullshit jobs" are frustrated and hate their own work, which is also beneficial for the establishment. While Graeber's views are marked by naive activism, they are an inspiration for a deeper reflection on the ”end of human labour" as a result of civilizational change, including technological progress. David Graeber's concept of "bullshit jobs" is discussed in the context of a broader debate on industrial relations in the age of profound civilizational transformations, including the current rapid rate of technological progress.
E-mail: Maciej.kryszczuk@gmail.com