New Books in Economic and Business History

Erik Baker, "Make Your Own Job: How the Entrepreneurial Work Ethic Exhausted America" (Harvard UP, 2025)

Mar 2, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Erik Baker, author and expert on work culture, explores his book on the entrepreneurial work ethic that has shaped America. He delves into how this mindset changed perceptions of work, pushing thrift and persistence aside for initiative and self-creation. Baker connects historical movements, from the late 19th century to today's gig economy, highlighting the consequences of this shift on economic inequality and job security. He critiques traditional work ethics while examining the influence of entrepreneurialism on American identity and policies.
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