On Bullsh*t Jobs | David Graeber | RSA Replay

RSA・2 minutes read

David Graeber explores the absurdity of modern capitalism by discussing the rise of meaningless jobs and the impact on society, suggesting potential solutions like Universal Basic Income and reevaluating work values. Many individuals unknowingly work in pointless jobs, leading to issues like depression and stress, highlighting the need for redefining the value of labor and addressing societal perceptions of work.

Insights

  • David Graeber's work sheds light on the prevalence of meaningless jobs in capitalist societies, challenging the narrative that all work contributes to societal well-being. The realization that a significant portion of the workforce engages in jobs lacking purpose or tangible output is a crucial aspect of his argument.
  • The discussion around potential solutions to eliminate unnecessary jobs, including Universal Basic Income (UBI) and income distribution, highlights the need to rethink societal values around work, acknowledging the importance of caregiving labor and emphasizing care and freedom over traditional notions of production and consumption.

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Recent questions

  • What is the main focus of David Graeber's argument?

    The absurdity and misery of modern jobs.

  • What percentage of people believe their job lacks meaning?

    37%

  • How does the author gather stories about pointless jobs?

    Asking followers on Twitter.

  • What potential solution does the author suggest for eliminating unnecessary jobs?

    Universal Basic Income (UBI).

  • What societal perception does the author challenge regarding work and morality?

    Hard work as a moral obligation.

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Summary

00:00

"Pointless Jobs: The Absurdity of Modern Work"

  • Benedict Dalitz, head of the RSA Future Work Center, welcomes attendees to the RSA Thursday lunchtime event.
  • Mobile phones are requested to be silenced as the event is being filmed and live-streamed.
  • David Graeber, a professor of anthropology at the LSE, is introduced as the speaker.
  • David's work includes books like "The Utopia of Rules" and "Debt: The First 5,000 Years."
  • David's argument focuses on the absurdity and misery of modern jobs in capitalist societies.
  • The concept of meaningless work in capitalism is explored in David's new book, "Jobs: A Theory."
  • The rise of pointless jobs is discussed, highlighting industries with no real purpose beyond their existence.
  • The narrative of consumerism as the reason for longer work hours is challenged, pointing to the rise of managerial roles.
  • A survey by YouGov reveals that 37% of people believe their job does not make a meaningful contribution to society.
  • The awareness of job pointlessness is high among workers, with 30% being certain their job lacks purpose.

15:05

Pointless Jobs: Uncovering Meaningless Work in Society

  • Many people may unknowingly work in jobs that are ultimately pointless or do not contribute to any tangible output.
  • The realization of working in a meaningless job can be shocking, as seen in the example of a person who worked for a Travel Magazine that turned out to be a scam.
  • Support staff in organizations may be doing real work, such as watering plants or cleaning, but it may be in support of fraudulent or unnecessary activities.
  • The author decided to research and gather stories about pointless jobs by asking followers on Twitter for their experiences.
  • The responses received varied in length and detail, with some providing extensive work histories and analyses.
  • The author color-coded and categorized the responses to use as a database for writing a book on the topic.
  • The author's anti-capitalist views led to questioning the moral arguments that uphold capitalism, as practical arguments like inequality or technological advancements no longer hold true.
  • The author delves into the societal perception that hard work, even if pointless or unenjoyable, is a moral obligation, leading to the devaluation of work that benefits others.
  • The discussion extends to the idea that work should involve suffering and self-sacrifice, contrasting with consumerism's focus on personal pleasure.
  • The author suggests Universal Basic Income (UBI) as a potential solution to eliminate unnecessary jobs, but also considers other interventions to address the issue of pointless work in the present.

30:14

Income Distribution and Non-Jobs in Society

  • Giving money to poor people ensures they buy necessities, while middle-class individuals might invest in luxury items like swimming pools.
  • Rich individuals, when given money, are unlikely to create jobs unless pressured to hire more staff.
  • A significant portion of civil servants and private company employees exist to either make poor people feel bad or rich people feel important.
  • The idea of a four-day workweek is discussed as a potential solution to job-related issues, but enforcing it could lead to bureaucratic challenges.
  • The speaker used to advocate for reducing work hours but now questions the practicality of enforcing such changes without creating extensive surveillance systems.
  • Income distribution is suggested as a more effective solution than reducing work hours due to potential enforcement difficulties.
  • Gender differences were observed in job reporting, with women less likely to claim having jobs, possibly due to traditional job dynamics.
  • Various types of non-jobs are identified, including "flunkies," "duct tape workers," "box tickers," "goons," and "taskmasters," each serving different purposes.
  • The impact of non-jobs on society's spending and GDP is questioned, with a suggestion to redirect funds from unnecessary jobs to support basic income.
  • The preservation of social status for non-jobs like nursing or teaching is discussed, along with the potential effects on GDP and the need for basic income to eliminate unnecessary overhead costs.

45:14

Reevaluating Labor: Ethics, Value, and Fulfillment

  • The system forces individuals in certain jobs to act unethically, leading to a sense of being trapped.
  • Changing the way we measure value is crucial, as current indicators are inaccurate and fantastical.
  • Most labor involves maintaining and caring for things rather than producing new items.
  • The value of caregiving labor needs to be recognized and redefined in society.
  • The concept of care and freedom should replace production and consumption in our understanding of labor.
  • Some individuals in seemingly pointless jobs find fulfillment due to factors like autonomy and lack of supervision.
  • Many people in meaningless jobs experience profound misery, challenging assumptions about human nature.
  • Jobs that lack a sense of contribution can lead to depression, stress, and anxiety, mimicking the symptoms of depression.
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