About the book
\"This book is a must read for students of contemporary capitalism.\"
—Kathi Weeks, Duke University
\"Why do people fight for their exploitation as if it was liberation?\" How Marx and Spinoza can explain our perverse attachment to the indignities of work
In a world of declining wages, working conditions, and instability, the response for many has been to work harder, increasing hours and finding various ways to hustle in a gig economy. What drives our attachment to work? To paraphrase a question from Spinoza, \"Why do people fight for their exploitation as if it was liberation?\"
The Double Shift turns towards the intersection of Marx and Spinoza in order to examine the nature of our affective, ideological, and strategic attachment to work. Through an examination of contemporary capitalism and popular culture it argues that the current moment can be defined as one of \"negative solidarity.\"
The hardship and difficulty of work is seen not as the basis for alienation and calls for its transformation but rather an identification with the difficulties and hardships of work. This distortion of the work ethic leads to a celebration of capitalists as job creators and suspicion towards anyone who is not seen as a \"real worker.\"
The book is grounded in philosophy, specifically Marx and Spinoza, and is in dialogue with Plato, Smith, Hegel, and Arendt, but, at the same time, in examining contemporary ideologies and ideas about work it discusses motivational meetings at Apple Stores, the culture of Silicon Valley, and films and television from Office Space to Better Call Saul
The Double Shift argues for a transformation of our collective imagination and attachment to work.
Editions of The Double Shift
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781839767623
- EBook
- ISBN 9781839767647
Read an Excerpt
\"This book is a must read for students of contemporary capitalism.\"
—Kathi Weeks, Duke University
\"Why do people fight for their exploitation as if it was liberation?\" How Marx and Spinoza can explain our perverse attachment to the indignities of work
In a world of declining wages, working conditions, and instability, the response for many has been to work harder, increasing hours and finding various ways to hustle in a gig economy. What drives our attachment to work? To paraphrase a question from Spinoza, \"Why do people fight for their exploitation as if it was liberation?\"
The Double Shift turns towards the intersection of Marx and Spinoza in order to examine the nature of our affective, ideological, and strategic attachment to work. Through an examination of contemporary capitalism and popular culture it argues that the current moment can be defined as one of \"negative solidarity.\"
The hardship and difficulty of work is seen not as the basis for alienation and calls for its transformation but rather an identification with the difficulties and hardships of work. This distortion of the work ethic leads to a celebration of capitalists as job creators and suspicion towards anyone who is not seen as a \"real worker.\"
The book is grounded in philosophy, specifically Marx and Spinoza, and is in dialogue with Plato, Smith, Hegel, and Arendt, but, at the same time, in examining contemporary ideologies and ideas about work it discusses motivational meetings at Apple Stores, the culture of Silicon Valley, and films and television from Office Space to Better Call Saul
The Double Shift argues for a transformation of our collective imagination and attachment to work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Double Shift about?
\"This book is a must read for students of contemporary capitalism.\"
—Kathi Weeks, Duke University
\"Why do people fight for their exploitation as if it was liberation?\" How Marx and Spinoza can explain our perverse attachment to the indignities of work
In a world of declining wages, working conditions, and instability, the response for many has been to work harder, increasing hours and finding various ways to hustle in a gig economy. What drives our attachment to work? To paraphrase a question from Spinoza, \"Why do people fight for their exploitation as if it was liberation?\"
The Double Shift turns towards the intersection of Marx and Spinoza in order to examine the nature of our affective, ideological, and strategic attachment to work. Through an examination of contemporary capitalism and popular culture it argues that the current moment can be defined as one of \"negative solidarity.\"
The hardship and difficulty of work is seen not as the basis for alienation and calls for its transformation but rather an identification with the difficulties and hardships of work. This distortion of the work ethic leads to a celebration of capitalists as job creators and suspicion towards anyone who is not seen as a \"real worker.\"
The book is grounded in philosophy, specifically Marx and Spinoza, and is in dialogue with Plato, Smith, Hegel, and Arendt, but, at the same time, in examining contemporary ideologies and ideas about work it discusses motivational meetings at Apple Stores, the culture of Silicon Valley, and films and television from Office Space to Better Call Saul
The Double Shift argues for a transformation of our collective imagination and attachment to work.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Double Shift?
Philosophy and Religion > Philosophy > Topics in philosophy > Social and political philosophy
Where can I read a sample of The Double Shift?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781839767623
Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Double Shift?
Jason Read
Who is the Publisher of the book The Double Shift?
Verso Books
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
The Double Shift is available as paperback(ISBN 9781839767623) and ebook(ISBN 9781839767647)
Where can I buy The Double Shift online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy The Double Shift from below
Where can I buy The Double Shift?