In this insightful conversation, Juliet Schor, an economist and sociology professor at Boston College, discusses the consequences of our relentless work culture and proposes a transformative vision with her book, 'Four Days a Week.' She argues that the traditional five-day work week hampers happiness and community connections. Schor critiques free market myths, explores new definitions of the good life, and shares the benefits of a reduced workweek, including enhanced well-being and productivity. Her ideas invite us to rethink work in a way that truly serves our lives.
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insights INSIGHT
Rise of Work and Spend Cycle
Contrary to predictions, US working hours increased since the 1950s instead of decreasing to four-day weeks.
A cycle of work and spend emerged where people adjust desires to income, leading to longer work hours without more free time.
insights INSIGHT
Social Spending Pressures
Social pressures shape spending more than marketing alone.
People spend to signal social identity and maintain status given widespread income inequality.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Big House Contest Example
A woman became upset when neighbors built bigger houses, showing how relative status impacts satisfaction.
This illustrates how social comparisons fuel desire for more, regardless of absolute needs.
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Plenitude challenges conventional economic models and advocates for a shift towards sustainability and true wealth. It questions the relentless pursuit of economic growth, proposing alternatives that prioritize ecological balance and social well-being. The book integrates environmental science, economics, and social theory to create a vision for a more resilient and equitable future. It calls for a rethinking of resource management, consumption patterns, and the distribution of wealth. This book advocates for a new economic paradigm that supports thriving communities and a healthy planet for future generations.
Glittering Vices
Glittering Vices
Rebecca DeYoung
Four Days a Week
Four Days a Week
The Life-Changing Solution for Reducing Employee Stress, Improving Well-Being, and Working Smarter
Juliet Schor
Juliet Schor's "Four Days a Week" examines the transformative potential of a reduced workweek. The book argues that transitioning to a four-day workweek can significantly reduce employee stress and burnout, leading to improved overall well-being. Schor presents research and case studies demonstrating how companies can maintain or even increase productivity with shorter work hours. She explores the economic, social, and environmental benefits of this shift, advocating for a more balanced and sustainable approach to work. The book offers practical strategies for implementing a four-day workweek, emphasizing the importance of careful planning and work reorganization.
The overworked American
Juliet Schor
In 'The Overworked American', Juliet B. Schor examines the paradox of increased work hours despite rising productivity in the U.S. She argues that Americans are working more than ever, often exceeding their European counterparts by hundreds of hours annually. Schor attributes this trend to factors like consumer debt, upgraded household standards, and the structure of the labor market. The book offers insights into the societal pressures driving overwork and proposes reforms to improve work-life balance.
The overspent American
Juliet Schor
In 'The Overspent American', Juliet B. Schor examines the cultural pressures driving American consumerism, where spending has become a social status symbol. She discusses how people compare themselves to higher-income groups and how this affects their spending habits. The book also explores the concept of 'downshifting'—adopting simpler lifestyles to escape the cycle of excessive consumption.
After the Gig
After the Gig
Juliet Schor
After the Gig examines the evolving landscape of work, with a particular emphasis on the rise of the gig economy. It explores the implications of short-term contracts and freelance positions and delves into issues such as income inequality, job insecurity, and the decline of traditional employment benefits. This book investigates the challenges and opportunities of this new economic paradigm.
This is our unabridged interview with Juliet Schor.
Are we working too much?
“Time is a vital resource for us to connect with each other, to connect with the earth and …to come together in solidarity, to try and fix what's wrong.”
We have accepted the 5 day work week as the status quo—caught in a cycle of working more so we can spend more, just to keep up with the Jones’. But what if there's a better way to live: For our own happiness, the economy, and our planet?
Economist and Sociologist Juliet Schor, has spent decades researching the way we work, and her new book - The Four Day Week - invites all of us to imagine a future where work is restructured to serve human needs, not the other way around.
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