Reference no: EM133488674
Assignment
Sessions and Wortman: from The Republic, 172-184 and The Medieval World, 185-195 The Jungle 34-106.
The textbook readings for this session provide us with views on the natural division of labor in the ancient and medieval worlds. Note how differently work has been viewed in the past from how we view it today. This is why we say our ideas about work are historically particular. That is to say, the social meaning associated with work is contingent on the particular circumstances of a given society. As you read these sections, consider the differences between those time periods and our own with regard to work. We often say today that we work hard to get ahead.
Question A. Would this sentiment have resonated with Plato or Salisbury? Why or why not?
Question B. What motivated the workers of earlier eras if not the incentive to improve social standing and the accumulation of wealth?
Question C. Plato's Republic describes ideal society as divided into unchanging categories. A person born into a given category was to remain in that category along with all his descendants. This is similar to what we find in the medieval world. What advantages might there be to this kind of system? What are the disadvantages? What motivations do people have to work hard under within rigid social hierarchies?
Question D. The Jungle's Jurgis hopes to escape the more rigid social system of Lithuania in favor of the United States, a place known for the promise of rich rewards in exchange for hard work.
Question E. How do Jurgis first experiences in the United States correspond to the American dream? How does he feel about labor unions? What changes his mind?
Question F. There were myriad industries in the early 20th century with poor working conditions. Why does Sinclair use the meat-packing industry as the setting for his novel?
Question G. Does Sinclair believe that democratically-elected politicians can help the working class? Ona and Teta make arrangements to purchase a home. The deal turns out to be a scam, but one that is perfectly legal-it s all in the fine print.
Question H. This is not entirely unlike shifty home foreclosures happening today? What pitfalls exist in our world today for workers? How does credit, or lack thereof, influence the lives of today s workers?