How Work Became a Moral Duty: The Origins of the Modern Work Ethic | Elizabeth Anderson

Mar 25, 2025

Elizabeth Anderson, a prominent philosopher from the University of Michigan, delves into the deep historical roots of our modern work ethic, revealing how it morphed into a moral obligation. She explores the Protestant Reformation's influence, contrasting theological shifts in views on labor and salvation. The discussion shines a light on how concepts from figures like Locke shaped property views and individual worth, and critiques the damaging use of the work ethic against the poor. Anderson emphasizes the need to reclaim the original purpose of work: to serve humanity.

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INSIGHT

Salvation by Faith Alone

The Protestant Reformation shifted the focus from earning salvation through works to receiving it by faith alone.
This caused uncertainty and anxiety about whether one truly possessed faith, leading to a focus on behavior as evidence of salvation.

INSIGHT

Work as Evidence of Faith

Calvinism addressed the uncertainty of faith by linking it to external behavior, emphasizing disciplined labor.
This made work a measure of faith, prompting people to work diligently for assurance of salvation.

ADVICE

Baxter's Work Ethic Principles

Work diligently, be frugal, and avoid idle pleasures.
Maximize your earnings and use all resources efficiently, including time.

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Elizabeth Anderson is one of today’s leading political philosophers and has spent years studying how the work ethic shapes our economy, society, and politics. In her latest book, Hijacked, she explores how hard work, a principle originally intended to advance the virtue of helping others, has been used by parts of society in ways that harm workers.

This is the first of a three-part series tracing the history of the work ethic, from its religious roots in Martin Luther and the Reformation to its influence on modern policies like prison labor reform in California. In this episode, Elizabeth and Dart dig into the early history: how the Protestant Reformation shaped ideas about labor, how work became a moral obligation, and how these centuries-old ideas still shape our world today.

In this episode, Dart and Elizabeth discuss:
- How work became a divine duty
- How Locke’s labor theory shaped ideas of property and work
- The work ethic as a moral weapon against the poor
- The origins of blaming poverty on personal failure
- Why we still measure human worth by productivity
- How poor laws shaped early ideas of economic survival
- The hidden influence of these ideas on work today
- And other topics…

Professor Elizabeth Anderson specializes in moral and political philosophy, feminist theory, social epistemology, and the philosophy of economics. She holds the positions of Arthur F. Thurnau Professor, John Dewey Distinguished University Professor of Philosophy and Women's & Gender Studies, and Max Shaye Professor of Public Philosophy at the University of Michigan. A MacArthur “Genius” Fellow, Elizabeth has written extensively on democracy, labor, and economic justice, including her latest book, Hijacked: How Neoliberalism Turned the Work Ethic Against Workers and How Workers Can Take It Back.

Resources Mentioned:
Hijacked, by Elizabeth Anderson: https://www.amazon.com/Hijacked-Neoliberalism-against-Workers-Lectures/dp/1009275437

The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism, by Max Weber: https://www.amazon.com/Protestant-Ethic-Spirit-Capitalism/dp/1603866043

Second Treatise of Government, by John Locke: https://www.amazon.com/Second-Treatise-Government-Joseph-Carrig/dp/0760760950

Connect with Elizabeth:
Profile: https://lsa.umich.edu/philosophy/people/faculty/eandersn.html

Work with Dart:
Dart is the CEO and co-founder of the work design firm 11fold. Build work that makes employees feel alive, connected to their work, and focused on what’s most important to the business. Book a call at 11fold.com.