Why Worklove And Work Are The Cornerstones Of Our Humanity

Why Worklove And Work Are The Cornerstones Of Our Humannesssigmund

Why Work? “Love and work are the cornerstones of our humanness” Sigmund Freud. Work encompasses all productive activities whether for pay or not. Participating and being part of meaningful and productive endeavors within and outside of the home contributes to self-esteem and provides a sense of purpose. “Work” can be defined in a general way, but has individual meaning as well.

How work is defined can vary with age, culture and context. Happiness = Love + Work. This last point can be a discussion topic. Is a stay-at-home Mom “working”? Is work different for a child, adolescent, college student? It is important to consider the changing nature of work over the past century. What is the role of education, technology, industrialization, globalization and immigration on the world of work?

Will “work” be the same in 20 years? What issues are important when considering “work”? The Changing Nature of Work. According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, work is defined as “activity in which one exerts strength or faculties to do or perform something, and the labor, task or duty that is one’s accustomed means of livelihood and a specific task, duty, function or assignment often being a part or phase of some larger activity. The first known use of “work” was in the 14th century! Definitions of Work. Work for children is often defined as “play.” Work for students is often defined as “the use of a person’s physical or mental strength or ability in order to get something done or get a desired result.” The word “work” is applied in many contexts, for example working out, workplace, workforce.

Definitions Continued. In order to stimulate discussion, the class can be asked to generate examples of how the word work is used. Earning money, achieving status, making a difference, following your passions, using your talents. Dimensions of Work. As an exercise, you can have students rank order what they value about work and do a class tally. Another discussion point is cultural and generational attribution to different occupations and meaningful “work.” This may be different for first generation college students.

Money: In the past 10 years, money has been the primary driver in articles about “best careers.” Solely reducing work choices to earning power may lose the broader perspective. Status: How does status or respect fit into your definition of meaningful work? Pride in what you do may be very important. Are you thinking about work to impress others or to meet someone else’s definitions of status? What are cultural expectations?

Dimensions of Work. Questions that can be generated include the challenge of waking up every morning hating a job, but making a very high salary, along with some moral and ethical dilemmas. Making a difference is often relegated to the least important in the top 10 careers. Making a difference for many is an extremely important component of job satisfaction and life satisfaction, whether teaching children, preparing a tax return or saving whales. Following your passion: while passion doesn’t pay well, finding a way to incorporate that which interests you most into your daily life is critical for life satisfaction. Using your talents: Talents may not be musical or artistic, but perhaps patient, understanding, loving flowers, empathic. Incorporating your talents contributes to self-esteem and overall satisfaction.

Additional ways to frame the meaning of work include: social purpose, moral correctness, achievement-related pleasure, autonomy, recognition, positive relationships. “Human hands want to make something and human minds like to think, solve and imagine.” (James Hillman). Additional Dimensions. A possible assignment might be to do a family “genogram” of work within the family history, having the student trace parents/grandparents/etc. of work. If you wish to explore issues of mental health and work, a good resource is the WHO document: Mental health and work: Impact issues and good practices.

Paper For Above instruction

Work and love are fundamental aspects defining human experience and well-being. Sigmund Freud emphasized that “Love and work are the cornerstones of our humanness,” underscoring their importance in shaping individual identity, self-esteem, and social integration. Understanding the multifaceted nature of work involves exploring its varied definitions, cultural meanings, and evolving roles throughout history. This paper examines the significance of work and love in human life, how they intersect, and the implications of contemporary changes in the world of work.

Work, broadly defined, encompasses all productive activities, whether paid or unpaid, within and outside the home. It contributes to self-worth and provides a sense of purpose, shaping an individual's identity and social standing (Taylor, 2007). The definition varies across cultures, generations, and contexts, reflecting societal values and economic systems. For instance, in modern societies, earning money and achieving professional status are often prioritized, yet other dimensions such as making a difference, pursuing passions, and utilizing talents are equally vital to many individuals’ sense of fulfillment (Bates, 2011). The nature of work has undergone significant transformations over the past century, influenced by technological advancements, industrialization, globalization, and changes in education and immigration policies (Autor, 2019). These developments have redefined what constitutes meaningful work and how individuals engage with their careers.

The historical perspective reveals that the concept of work has shifted from manual labor and subsistence activities to complex, knowledge-based occupations. Today, work is increasingly characterized by rapid technological change, gig economies, and remote work arrangements, prompting questions about the future of employment. Will work in 20 years resemble today's patterns, or will new forms and expectations emerge? Such shifts necessitate continuous adaptation and highlight the importance of skills acquisition, adaptability, and lifelong learning (Brynjolfsson & McAfee, 2014).

Defining work further involves examining its dimensions. Beyond economic gains, work can serve as a source of status, pride, and social recognition. For many, achieving respect through their occupation provides a sense of validation (Kohn, 1994). Conversely, some individuals endure jobs they dislike for financial stability, raising ethical considerations about work satisfaction versus economic necessity. Personal fulfillment often stems from making a positive impact, whether through teaching, caregiving, environmental conservation, or entrepreneurship. The importance of following one's passions, despite potential financial drawbacks, underscores the intrinsic motivation that sustains long-term job satisfaction (Deci & Ryan, 2000). Similarly, utilizing one's talents—be they empathetic, creative, or technical—enhances self-esteem and promotes overall well-being (Gagné & Deci, 2005).

Expanding the conceptualization of work, other dimensions include social purpose, moral righteousness, achievement, autonomy, recognition, and positive relationships. These elements enrich the understanding of meaningful employment, highlighting that work is more than a paycheck; it is a conduit for personal growth, societal contribution, and moral expression (Seligman & Csikszentmihalyi, 2000). For example, work that aligns with personal values and ethical standards often results in higher engagement and satisfaction.

Educationally, exploring individual and familial work histories through tools like genograms can illuminate cultural and generational perceptions of work. Such exercises foster self-awareness and appreciation of diverse occupational pathways. Moreover, considering mental health aspects related to work, resources like the World Health Organization’s reports emphasize that supportive work environments are essential for mental well-being and productivity (World Health Organization, 2013).

In conclusion, work and love are deeply interconnected in shaping human experience. While their definitions and significance vary across individuals and societies, they collectively underpin life satisfaction and societal progress. As the nature of work continues to evolve, understanding its multifaceted dimensions becomes crucial for fostering fulfilling careers and enriching human relationships.

References

• Autor, D. H. (2019). Work in the Age of Artificial Intelligence. Harvard Business Review.
• Bates, J. (2011). The Role of Passion and Talents in Career Development. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 78(2), 159-165.
• Brynjolfsson, E., & McAfee, A. (2014). The Second Machine Age: Work, Progress, and Prosperity in a Time of Brilliant Technologies. W. W. Norton & Company.
• Gagné, M., & Deci, E. L. (2005). Self-determination Theory and Work Motivation. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 26(4), 331-362.
• Kohn, A. (1994). Beyond Dedication: The Moral and Practical Need for Respect in the Workplace. Harvard Business Review.
• Seligman, M. E. P., & Csikszentmihalyi, M. (2000). Positive Psychology: An Introduction. American Psychologist, 55(1), 5-14.
• Taylor, S. (2007). The Meaning of Work in Human Life. Psychology Today.
• World Health Organization. (2013). Mental health and work: Impact issues and good practices. WHO.