How Work Became a Moral Duty: The Origins of the Modern Work Ethic | Elizabeth Anderson
Mar 25, 2025
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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.
The Protestant Reformation reshaped work from a religious obligation to a moral duty tied to individual worth and productivity.
Neoliberalism has distorted the original intent of the work ethic, prioritizing profit over workers' rights and communal welfare.
Deep dives
Foundations of the Work Ethic
The work ethic, as explored in historical context, finds its roots in the Protestant Reformation, particularly through Martin Luther's teachings. Luther challenged the Catholic doctrine that emphasized earning salvation through deeds, establishing faith as the sole path to salvation. This shift initially liberated individuals from guilt over sinful thoughts, yet it also incited concerns among Reformers regarding potential moral decay due to the perceived lack of religious obligation. The subsequent Calvinist interpretation stressed that true faith manifested through disciplined work and service to others, establishing a moral imperative around hard labor as a demonstration of one's salvation.
The Role of Asceticism and Frugality
Elizabeth Anderson's discussion of the Christian directory reveals a specific framework of duties that emphasize hard work, frugality, and asceticism as central tenets of the work ethic. The guidelines suggest that individuals must labor diligently while avoiding indulgent pleasures and wasteful behaviors, thus maximizing productivity and contribution to society. This perspective equates moral virtue with economic productivity, implying that one's worth stems from their ability to be industrious and frugal. Consequently, even the lowest societal roles, such as street sweepers, gain dignity as their work serves humanity and aligns with divine commandments.
Impact of the Work Ethic on Society
The podcast emphasizes how the work ethic informs contemporary attitudes towards labor, management, and societal roles. It suggests that historical influences, particularly those stemming from Puritan beliefs, shape modern workplace expectations and policies, leading to the view that individuals must justify their existence through work. As such, there is a pervasive belief that idleness is morally questionable, leading to societal pressures that pit various occupations against each other, regardless of social status. This context continues to affect labor practices today, including the ongoing discourse surrounding prison labor and worker treatment in the neoliberal economy.
Neoliberalism and the Hijacking of the Work Ethic
Anderson’s insights reveal a profound critique of how neoliberalism has distorted the original intent of the work ethic, initially meant to advance the welfare of society. She argues that this ideology now often prioritizes profit maximization at the expense of workers' rights and well-being. By misappropriating the work ethic, neoliberal systems exploit the notion of hard work, promoting a narrative that equates diligence with worth while ignoring systemic inequalities. This distortion not only harms individual workers but also undermines the moral foundation of work’s purpose as a vehicle for communal support and human flourishing.
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.
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.
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