Description

In Defense of Good Work: Jobs, Violence, and the Ethical Dimension

Arenas discusses the effects of work as a commoditized and alienating activity and explores the notion that professional ethics are an important but insufficient means for bringing about the wider “reverence for life” that is necessary for dealing with the current social and environmental malaise. The author critiques the belief that in the name of self-interest, technique, or efficiency, any production process or its end result is acceptable and also focuses on the difficult choices poor people face when deciding between self-preservation and self-actualization. He argues instead for a redefinition of work as a morally infused task that seeks to serve the larger public good.

alienation, professional ethics, work environment, quality of work, job enrichment, motivation

Citation: Social Justice Vol. 30, No. 3 (2003): 94-107