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The Dignity of Labour

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( 34 ratings, 6 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Dignity of Labour by Jon Cruddas is an insightful exploration into the nature and value of work in contemporary society. The author delves into the historical and cultural significance of labour, advocating for its recognition as a source of pride and identity beyond mere economic utility. Through this narrative, the book addresses the intersections of politics, community, and work, urging a re-evaluation of how society perceives and values labour.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you are interested in exploring the value of work beyond just economic terms. It delves into the significance of labour in shaping society, politics, and personal identity, offering a rich analysis for those who care about the future of work and its ethical dimensions. Ideal for readers keen on politics and current affairs, it challenges current perceptions of labour and advocates for a more humane and dignified approach.

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"The 21st century's greatest scholar-politician unpicks the degraded politics of contemporary work and advocates an alternative"--

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Does work give our lives purpose, meaning and status? Or is it a tedious necessity that will soon be abolished by automation, leaving humans free to enjoy a life of leisure and basic income?

In this erudite and highly readable book, Jon Cruddas MP argues that it is imperative that the Left rejects the siren call of technological determinism and roots its politics firmly in the workplace. Drawing from his experience of his own Dagenham and Rainham constituency, he examines the history of Marxist and social democratic thinking about work in order to critique the fatalism of both Blairism and radical left techno-utopianism, which, he contends, have more in common than either would like to admit.

He argues that, especially in the context of COVID-19, socialists must embrace an ethical socialist politics based on the dignity and agency of the labour interest.

The Dignity of Labour is a timely book offering a brilliant intervention in the highly contentious debate on the future of work, as well as an ambitious account of how the left must rediscover its animating purpose or risk irrelevance.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Dignity of Labour by Jon Cruddas is regarded as an essential and ambitious political read, advocating a renewed focus on the centrality of work in shaping Labour Party's future. The book is praised for its intellectual depth and timely relevance, offering a poignant critique of modern leftism and suggesting a path back to relevance through the dignity and significance of labour. Various reviews highlight its engaging, humane approach and its potential to reshape political thought and strategy within the Labour Party, making it a significant contribution to discussions on social democracy and civic life.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781509540792

Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 16 April 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Polity Press

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 20.0mm

Width: 135.0mm

Height: 211.0mm

Weight: 318g

Pages: 216

About the Author

Jon CruddasΒ is the Labour Member of Parliament for Dagenham and Rainham.

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