Preindustrial workers worked fewer hours than today's (2009) (groups.csail.mit.edu)

Article summary

The article challenges the common notion that capitalism has reduced human toil, citing historical evidence that pre-industrial workers had shorter workweeks and more leisure time than modern workers. Medieval workers, for example, worked around 8 hours a day, with frequent breaks and holidays, and the working year was often limited to 150-200 days. The article argues that capitalism has actually increased working hours and reduced leisure time. Historical data is presented to support this claim, showing a significant increase in working hours from the 13th century to the 19th century.

Main themes

• pre-industrial work patterns
• capitalism and labor
• leisure time and work-life balance
• historical perspectives on work
• economic progress and its effects

What commenters say

• The idea that people worked longer hours before capitalism is a myth with no historical basis.
• The article's portrayal of pre-industrial life as leisurely is misleading, as it ignores the grinding poverty and near-starvation that many people faced.
• Capitalism has led to an increase in working hours and a decrease in leisure time, as people are driven to work more to earn a living.
• The nature of work has changed significantly over time, with modern work often being more abstract and less directly connected to tangible benefits.
• The relationship between work and leisure is complex, and what constitutes 'work' can vary greatly depending on the context and culture.
• Some people argue that the increase in working hours is a result of the shift from a needs-based economy to a growth-based economy, where people are encouraged to constantly produce and consume.
• Others argue that the article's focus on hours worked is too narrow, and that the quality of work and the level of autonomy and fulfillment are more important factors in determining the value of work.