Historical Context of the Work Ethic Roger B. Hill, Ph.D. ©
1992, 1996 From a historical perspective, the cultural norm
placing a positive moral value on doing a good job because work
has intrinsic value for its own sake was a relatively recent
development (Lipset, 1990). Work, for much of the ancient
history of the human race, has been hard and degrading. Working
hard–in the absence of compulsion–was not the norm for Hebrew,
classical, or medieval cultures (Rose, 1985). It was not until
the Protestant Reformation that physical labor became culturally
acceptable for all persons, even the wealthy. Attitudes Toward
Work During the Classical Period One of the significant
influences on the culture of the western world has been the
Judeo-Christian belief system. Growing awareness of the
multicultural dimensions of contemporary society has moved
educators to consider alternative viewpoints and perspectives,
but an understanding of western thought is an important element
in the understanding of the history of the Un