The Thought of Work What is work? Is it simply a burden to be
tolerated or something more meaningful to one's sense of
identity and self-worth? And why does it matter? In a uniquely
thought-provoking book, John W. Budd presents ten historical and
contemporary views of work from across the social sciences and
humanities. By uncovering the diverse ways in which we
conceptualize work—such as a way to serve or care for others, a
source of freedom, a source of income, a method of psychological
fulfillment, or a social relation shaped by class, gender, race,
and power—The Thought of Work reveals the wide-ranging nature of
work and establishes its fundamental importance for the human
experience. When we work, we experience our biological,
psychological, economic, and social selves. Work locates us in
the world, helps us and others make sense of who we are, and
determines our access to material and social resources. By
integrating these distinct views, Budd replaces the usual
fragmentary approaches to understanding t