Sessions and Wortman, The Conceptual Foundations of Modern Work, 196-226. The Jungle 107-183 This week we read the section entitled, the Conceptual Foundations of Modern Work. Last week we examined the strikingly different ways people thought about work in different time periods. This week we look at some of the seminal texts that helped form how we think of work today within the context of capitalism. Locke represents the transition from the medieval system to the liberal policies favoring trade in the 17th centuries. This is to say, a transition from wealth based on the ownership of land to wealth based on trade. Locke wanted to move away from a system in which government significantly curtailed economic opportunities through the granting of monopolies. Sessions and Wortman call Locke s writing a myth. Why might that be? Locke also writes a strong defense of the concept of private property. What are some advantages and disadvantages to that concept? Adam Smith s Wealth of Nations is the seminal text on capitalism and is arguably the intellectual foundation of our contemporary global economy. He argued that unrestricted trade created wealth and that this wealth-creation could improve the lives of all. A contemporary phrase commonly used by today s politicians is a rising tide lifts all boats. In The Jungle are offered a striking contrast to the writings of Adam Smith. We see Jurgis and his family becoming increa
singly disillusioned with the deal they got on their home. The laws (or lack thereof) allowing such a deal to be offered are one of the products of the ethos of capitalism—over-regulation of trade stifles trade. But there are costs as well. What price does Jurgis pay for an unregulated housing market? What were the responsibilities of employers with regard to the health of their employees? Nikalojus and Vilimus, both children, begin working at the ages of 10 and 11. Today, some politicos argue against child labor laws. Upon what might they base their arguments? Are they correct? Why is Jurgis family growing apart? What is the influence of their work on their lives at home? When Jurgis is imprisoned, he is forced to continue working. First, why is hard labor part of his sentence? Second, what might Sinclair have been suggesting by this juxtaposition of work with punishment? Helplessness is a key theme in this section of The Jungle. Jurgis finds little solace in his family, from his government, or from his work. Sinclair is trying to make a statement about the system of capitalism. What does Sinclair believe to be the nature of the relationship between the system of capitalism and the individual worker?
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