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Society views bodies and minds as tools under capitalism, imposing values on how one should live and work. The book emphasizes challenging societal expectations, urging individuals to question norms and taught values.
The podcast delves into how the concept of laziness is socially constructed to cultivate easily controllable workers. It explores the impact of hyper-productivity ideals and hustle culture on individuals' mental health and communities, emphasizing the need to question and resist these norms.
Through personal stories and research findings, the episode highlights the detrimental effects of overwork on health. It discusses how relentless work schedules led to severe health issues for the author, showcasing the unsustainable nature of constant hyper-productivity.
The podcast explores the 'Laziness Lie' and how it perpetuates societal inequities. By attributing one's worth to productivity, ignoring personal limitations, and promoting incessant work, the lie reinforces systemic oppression and biases, contributing to societal injustices.
Encouraging a shift from individual blame to systemic analysis, the episode advocates for compassion and resistance against the pressure to constantly work. It emphasizes the importance of viewing work within a broader context, promoting a society where all individuals are valued regardless of their adherence to productivity norms.
We are currently living in an era dominated by overwork. Whether it’s your punch-in, punch-out job, the side hustles and extra gig work you pursue to help make rent, the drive to produce and consume “content” during every waking hour, or the expectation to look a certain way and constantly keep up with whatever trends surround you — it’s relentless. In this Conversation, we speak with Dr. Devon Price, a social psychologist at Loyola University in Chicago, explores these topics in their book, Laziness Does Not Exist, published by Atria Books. How have the concepts of “productivity” and “laziness” been manufactured and deployed by capital to cultivate pliant, profitable workers? How have the ideals of hyper-productivity encouraged not just willing but enthusiastic participation in the hustle-and-grind culture of modern capitalism? And what can we do to escape this prison? These are just some of the questions in this Conversation.
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