Reading Selection
The work ethic holds that labor is good in itself; that a man or woman at work not only makes a contribution to the common good but becomes a better person by virtue of the act of working. The Puritans greatly emphasized the work ethic and punished laziness severely. Successive waves of immigrants have also believed passionately in the work ethic, aiming for what they thought was the greatest success open to them-middle class status.In the 90's, however, there are signs that the ethic has been challenged. Many Americans appear to reject the notion that “labor is good in itself,” especially when that labor is mind-numbing or dangerous. Most white collar work involves elemental clerical operations. Blue collar work is usually dull and repetitive, and too often dirty, noisy, and hazardous as well. It is a national scandal that every year on-the-job accidents kill thousands of U.S. workers. In many workplaces, employees must get permission from the supervisor before going to the bathroom. Service and health care workers are subject to forced overtime and to customers or clients who are often unappreciative or even hostile.
But most of these conditions are not new, and rather than working fewer hours, many people are working more—by choice. What is happening, however, is that the work ethic is undergoing a radical transformation. Workers, particularly younger ones, are taking work more seriously, not less. Many may have abandoned the success ethic of their elders, but they still believe in work. Young and old are willing to invest more effort in their work, but they are demanding a bigger payoff in job satisfaction.
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