The Future of Work: Three Possible Alternatives.

Abstract

Current interpretations of the meaning of work in American society range from a reassertion of its traditional significance to the view that its fundamental raison d'etre is about to be removed by advances in automation advances which have been heralded as the cybernetic revolution. 1 A corresponding range of views is evident with respect to the meaning of work in the life of the individual from the assertion that work will continue to provide a central focus for personal satisfaction and status achievement to the argument that our traditional work ethic is undergoing rapid erosion, to be displaced by new criteria of personal worth and achievement unrelated to work performance.2 The three scenarios which follow depict possible alternative directions of change which may emerge in our society with regard to the role and significance of work. The first is labeled the green scenario, in deference to the controversial work by Charles A. Reich.8 The second is labeled the blue scenario; it is basically antithetical to the first, and implies a strong commitment to full employment and the preservation of the traditional role of work in our so-