I think all previous theories of labour are now invalid due to increasing automation and specialization. Whereas in pre-industrial times the two previous 'systems' needed close on 100% participation we're nearer to 50% already (IMO) with the other 50% either on no-work or make-work. This is already a major problem in the advanced countries for both the production market and the welfare state. The production market will be able to adjust by means of increasingly versatile customization but I can't see how the welfare state can unless by increased taxation and/or work sharing (at least not with our present atrociously poor educational system for the majority).
Keith My understanding of the above is the reason that I came to this list. I agree with Keith and said as much. I'm glad to see that he has come around to the same side that Tom Lowe and some of the other early Futureworkers were speaking about ten years ago. The seeds of this virus are still a problem however in terms like "make work." I don't see the moral advantage in creating a magnificent company with a large workforce to produce a product like Coca-Cola. I don't see that fracking or the tar sands of Canada are ultimately more real than Dietrich Fischer Dieskau who brought a whole generation of Germans back from the brink of despair after WWII I don't see what the moral advantage is of so many products that are considered "real" work by the marketplace when they essentially are trash and trinkets. Better to consider what is lost in the current marketplace and rules of engagement. How we sell our genuine human birthright for cups of soup. How we can give up great orchestras like the Philadelphia Orchestra. Great opera companies like the New York City Opera. Great cultural products, great public works and great advances in human science. All truly not cost effective due to the current market myths put forward as "real" work. Let us have more makework by real virtuosos at performance of whatever might raise the human soul. REH
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