Spencer, DA (2015) Developing an understanding of meaningful work in economics: the case for a heterodox economics of work. Cambridge Journal of Economics, 39 (3). pp. 675-688. ISSN 0309-166X
Abstract
The idea that work has meaning and is meaningful beyond its contribution to consumption has been largely absent from mainstream economics. This paper gives reasons for why mainstream economics has neglected the idea of meaningful work. It identifies the idea of the disutility of work, the assumption of free choice on the part of workers and the use of a formal and individualistic method as key constraints on the ability of mainstream economics to incorporate the idea of meaningful work. It also addresses the contribution of happiness economics and shows how it is unable to encompass the idea of meaningful work. Ideas on work from heterodox economics are then discussed. These ideas provide essential insight and inspiration for the incorporation of the idea of meaningful work into the economics of work. In all respects, the paper seeks to contribute towards the development and promotion of a heterodox economics of work that has the goal of meaningful work at its centre.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © The Author 2014. This is a pre-copyedited, author-produced PDF of an article accepted for publication in Cambridge Journal of Economics following peer review. The version of record is available online at: https://dx.doi.org/10.1093/cje/beu074 |
Keywords: | Work; Meaningful work; Disutility of work; Happiness economics; Heterodox economics; Job quality |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Leeds |
Academic Units: | The University of Leeds > Faculty of Business (Leeds) > Economics Division (LUBS) (Leeds) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Publications |
Date Deposited: | 28 Apr 2016 14:42 |
Last Modified: | 18 Dec 2016 08:24 |
Published Version: | https://dx.doi.org/10.1093/cje/beu074 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Oxford University Press |
Identification Number: | 10.1093/cje/beu074 |
Related URLs: | |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:92585 |