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The Future of work: The meaning and value of work in Europe

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  • Dominique Méda

    (IRISSO - Institut de Recherche Interdisciplinaire en Sciences Sociales - INRA - Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique - Université Paris Dauphine-PSL - PSL - Université Paris Sciences et Lettres - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique)

Abstract

This paper looks at the notion of work historically and how new meanings have enriched this notionover centuries. It then analyses the importance Europeans give to the concept of work, and presents theongoing discourse on technological revolution and its impact on work and employment. The paper thenexamines the future of work in the coming decades in the light of three broad scenarios, which arecompeting to present a mid-term view of the future of work. First, the consequences of a scenario called"dismantling the labour law" are considered. Second, the validity of the propositions announcing theend of work within the scope of automation and digitalization (scenario of the technological revolution)are examined. Finally, a third scenario, the "ecological conversion", which seems to be the mostcompatible with the need to combat the unbearable features of our present model of development andseems capable of satisfying the expectations placed on work is examined. It is this third scenario –"ecological conversion" – that seems best able to respond to the high expectations that Europeanscontinue to place on work while ensuring the continuation of our societies.

Suggested Citation

  • Dominique Méda, 2017. "The Future of work: The meaning and value of work in Europe," Working Papers hal-01616579, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:wpaper:hal-01616579
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://hal.science/hal-01616579
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Moshe Sharabi & Oriana Abboud Armaly & Ola AbuHasan-Nabwani, 2022. "The Effect of Major Life Events on Individual's Work Centrality: Social and Economic Aspects," Review of European Studies, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 13(4), pages 1-46, March.

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    Keywords

    importance of work; Automation; digital revolution; ecological conversion; work; future of work;
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