Modern-day work is a central reason for unsustainability, and its transformation is therefore key for sustainability. A recurring manifestation of this issue is the 'jobs-environment-dilemma', a trade-off arising due to severe ecological impacts caused by work on the one hand, and the structural constitution of modern industrial society as work-centred and work-dependent on the other. We draw on interdisciplinary literature from environmental sociology and related fields to analyse both aspects: distinct factors of ecological problems associated with modern work, and various dimensions of structural dependence on work in modern society. We find that this conflict, and the fundamental role that work plays for unsustainability, are not sufficiently addressed and remain unresolved issues in sustainability research. To change this, we propose the conceptual approach of 'postwork' or critiques of work to open up a new perspective on the work-environment problem. We introduce postwork theory and discuss different ways in which ecological postwork perspectives and arguments can contribute to understanding and resolving entrenched sustainability issues. Finally, we briefly illustrate existing postwork politics and practices. While clearly contested, there is renewed momentum for social change towards a sustainable society which would benefit from addressing work and critiques of work.
Postwork explores the possibility of futures characterized by a radically different quantity and rhythm, organization and ethical valuation of work. It combines substantial critiques of work with imaginaries and proposals for emancipatory social change, to overcome a society relentlessly centred on work and productivism. We give an overview of the notion of postwork and clarify its ecological relevance. After discussing the ecological significance of work, we reflect on the ways in which the postwork literature has (or has not) engaged with ecological questions. While we find that postwork is not necessarily or commonly connected to ecological issues, there are notable contributions that relate to ecological concerns in novel and inspiring ways and offer valuable ideas for an ecological postwork theory and non-reformist eco-politics. We conclude by pointing out certain aspects that postwork, both in research and as a political project, could further address to develop its full ecological potential.
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