The Progressive Work Ethic: What We Lost and How to Win It Back | Elizabeth Anderson
Apr 8, 2025
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Elizabeth Anderson, a political philosopher focused on democracy and economic justice, joins Dart Lindsley to discuss the evolution of the work ethic. They explore how historical thinkers like Adam Smith and Karl Marx shaped labor principles that promote dignity and equality. The conversation critiques the neoliberal shift that has concentrated corporate power and suppressed wages. They also highlight the importance of worker protections and the ongoing struggle for gender equality within the workplace, emphasizing the need to reclaim work as a source of fairness and dignity.
The progressive work ethic advocates for worker dignity and autonomy, drawing inspiration from thinkers like Adam Smith and John Stuart Mill.
Neoliberalism has reshaped the conversation around work, emphasizing corporate power and reducing protections, thus increasing inequality.
Education and access to resources are vital in empowering individuals, allowing them to reclaim their role in fostering economic equity.
Deep dives
The Importance of Fair Wages
Paying employees decent wages encourages them to remain with a company for longer periods, which benefits firms by reducing the costs associated with employee turnover. This approach allows organizations to save money that would otherwise be spent on training new hires who may not stay long due to poor working conditions. Better compensation also leads to improved loyalty and productivity, as employees are more likely to work hard when they feel respected and valued. Adam Smith articulated this principle, noting that if employers believe their workers are lazy, it may stem from inadequate compensation.
Contrasting Work Ethics
The discussion contrasts the progressive work ethic with the conservative work ethic, highlighting how the former promotes agency and autonomy for workers, allowing them to take initiative and set their own goals. A progressive perspective is rooted in the ideas of thinkers like Adam Smith and John Stuart Mill, who advocated for stronger labor protections and social equality. This work ethic empowers individuals and fosters shared prosperity, in contrast to the conservative view which emphasizes control and discipline over worker behavior. The progressive work ethic envisions an environment where workers can thrive and contribute positively to society.
Neoliberalism and the Work Ethic
Neoliberal policies have shifted the conversation around work ethics, resembling a revival of conservative ideals by undermining the gains achieved by progressives. Political figures such as Reagan and Thatcher have been pivotal in this neoliberal agenda, which aims to reduce social safety nets and increase corporate power. This evolution of the work ethic leads to increased inequality and restricts the rights and protections afforded to workers. The movement emphasizes the needs and interests of the wealthy, mirroring historical patterns of the land-owning elite exerting control over the working class.
The Role of Education and Property
Education and access to property are crucial components of the progressive work ethic, as they empower individuals to effectively exercise their freedom. Historically, many workers lacked access to education, which rendered them subordinate to their superiors. Adam Smith's critique of land ownership highlighted that concentrated wealth limited opportunities for broader participation in the economy. The idea was to eliminate restrictions that prevented equitable wealth distribution, allowing a more significant portion of society to have access to the means to improve their livelihoods.
Social Democracy and Labor Rights
Social democracy has emerged as a culmination of the principles espoused by progressive thinkers, creating systems that support labor rights and worker autonomy. These systems promote universal social programs, such as healthcare and pensions, to ensure that citizens have access to essential resources without stigma. The labor movement, influenced by figures like Karl Marx, shifted toward democratic engagements, emphasizing the importance of workers participating in governance and fostering their agency. This approach encourages cooperation between employers and workers, ultimately benefiting both parties and fostering a more equitable society.
For centuries, the work ethic was used to justify inequality, but it also fueled a powerful movement for justice. In the final part of this series, Elizabeth Anderson and Dart Lindsley explore the progressive work ethic, a vision of labor rooted in dignity, equality, and shared prosperity. They trace how thinkers like Adam Smith, John Stuart Mill, the Ricardian Socialists, and Karl Marx inspired reforms in education, labor rights, and social insurance, laying the foundation for social democracy. The conversation then turns to the neoliberal revival of the conservative work ethic, where leaders like Reagan and Thatcher redefined work to cut protections, concentrate power, and suppress wages. This isn’t just history—it’s a framework for how we treat work today.
Elizabeth Anderson is a political philosopher known for her work on democracy, economic justice, and the ethics of work. Her latest book, Hijacked, explores how the work ethic was distorted by neoliberalism to undermine workers and how it can be reclaimed to support fairness and dignity in the workplace.
In this episode, Dart and Elizabeth discuss: - How the progressive work ethic reshaped labor - Why Smith and Mill saw work as freedom, not control - How Marx and the Ricardian socialists fought for justice - The rise of worker protections and education - How neoliberalism shifted power to corporations - The fall of social democracy and its effects today - Reclaiming work as a source of dignity and fairness - 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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