work meaning

Question 1

definition

Answer 1

Bolton and Laaser (2013)- state that, ‘a moral economy is an analytical framework that gives voice to critical concerns for the workings of an increasingly disconnected capitalism, its inherent tendencies to treat labour as a ‘fictitious commodity’ and the impact that has on the wellbeing of individuals in wider society’

Question 2

The aim of the moral economy

Answer 2

A ME approach examines if and how capitalism civilizes or
dehumanizes workers.
* These ideas became prominent after the GFC when concerns
grew about:-
 unregulated forms of capitalism,
 growth of inequalities in society & globally
 Post-pandemic – raised issues about ‘essential’ work/services & our values and priorities as
a society

• A ME approach assesses the interconnections between the economy, society, work and
  people when work for many has become increasingly exploitative and impacts on the well-
  being.
• Asking questions such as how the economy work and, in whose interests does it work?

Question 3

why is this view good

Answer 3

As well as emphasising the negative impacts of work a ME perspective
also focuses on the joys of work:-
The impact work can have on:-
* Companionship
* Self-confidence
* Worth and value
For many work continues to be a source of pride and meaning in life – an
opportunity to live independent lives and gain status in society

work meaning-

Question 4

How does it bridge

Answer 4

The concept links ‘different levels of analysis that form a bridge between individual agency,
institutionalized structures of community, family, social and work organization and political economy’.
The reason for a concept which bridges these levels is because it is argued that there are two gaps in
contemporary accounts:-
* When studying people’s experiences of work we often neglect an analysis of the influence of the
role of the political economy (macro perspectives)
* When studying the role of political economies we often neglect agency and people’s lived
experiences of work (micro perspectives)
Advocates of a moral economy highlight the moral features of economic processes – people who may
resist economic practices which contravene their sense of fairness, justice and morality and who
seek to defend social commitments and obligations from the erosive tendencies of economic
processes.