The Meaning in Work: On Labour and Dignity

Are we able to recognize talent in a janitor, painter or construction worker in the same way as we would for a nurse, psychologist, pilot or state minister?


The terms 'unskilled' or skilled labour have often been used as reliable indicators or concepts in policy-making and developmental economics. A provocative paper here argues for an alternative look into these concepts. Not doing may engender long-term problems for societies that are looking to address gaps in their job sectors where certain jobs are shunned. Some may not even be regarded as professions to begin with. Set against competitive economies, some governments also resort to aggressive or open immigration policies to recruit needed foreign 'talent' or labour. They risk facing  reprisals from some citizens who may feel disgruntled about these moves.

Why are some societies able to weather tight labour conditions better than others?


One reason may be rooted in values and social recognition, not based on economic pragmatism but respect for talent and human aspiration, in whatever form or skill they may take.
Would this form the very core of what it means to build a stable and meritocratic society?




You get the drift and it does strike too close to home, isn't it?




http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/01/opinion/do-we-value-low-skilled-work.html?_r=0


http://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2011/05/give-domestic-helpers-their-dignity/


What if most members in a given society learn to regard all jobs with the same degree of dignity and importance attached, regardless of pay-scale, perceived social prestige or other economic testaments?

I recall my time overseas when I encountered numerous instances where janitors and plumbers were accorded the same degree of professional recognition and respect given to medical doctors and barristers. It will take more than just state policies to change such a mindset.  This is one of the many issues that inspire wide debate on the need for a minimum wage policy for all Singaporeans.




On a deeper note, our worldview is often shaped by the language we use to frame and understand our world. How good it would be if we could all acknowledge that such moves are often partial in their effectiveness and that there will always be better ways to improve social policies, to better reflect the reality of human talent and diversity in our midst.