The Problem with Work

by Kathi Weeks
The Problem with Work cover
Good Books rating 3.92
Politics and Current Affairs
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  • ID: 2454
  • Added: 2025-10-14
  • Updated: 2025-10-17
  • ISBN: 9780822351122
  • Publisher: Duke University Press
  • Published: 2011-09-09
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

The Problem with Work delves into the intricate web of work's structures and ethics, providing a Marxist feminist perspective that critiques the very foundations of our labor systems. It doesn't just stop at criticism; the book also presents a compelling vision for a life that isn't dominated by work, inviting readers to imagine new possibilities beyond the traditional confines of employment. This thought-provoking work is not just about theory; it's a call to action, encouraging readers to rethink their relationship with work and consider alternative ways of living that prioritize human fulfillment over productivity and profit.

Reviews
The Eyrie · 2021-09-26
challenging 3.50

The book's writing style is dense and requires substantial effort from the reader. Despite this, the ideas presented are valuable and thought-provoking.

The reviewer found the writing style of the book to be quite dense and challenging, which made the reading process slow and arduous. It took them six months to finish the book due to the substantial effort required to understand the content. However, they acknowledge that the ideas presented are valuable and thought-provoking, making the effort worthwhile. The book's exploration of antiwork politics and postwork imaginaries is particularly noteworthy.

Quick quotes

    The writing style means substantial unnecessary effort for the reader, which is why it took me six months to read this book.

    The ideas presented are valuable and thought-provoking.

    The book's exploration of antiwork politics and postwork imaginaries is particularly noteworthy.

University of Bristol Research Information Service · H Pitts · 2014-01-01
thought-provoking 4.00

The book challenges the unquestioned value of work in capitalist society, arguing that it is problematic. The reviewer finds Weeks' arguments compelling but notes the book's academic tone.

The reviewer appreciates how Weeks critically examines the unproblematic status of work in capitalist society, offering a fresh perspective on labor and its societal implications. They find the arguments well-structured and thought-provoking, though the academic writing style may be challenging for some readers. The book's exploration of feminist and Marxist critiques is particularly noteworthy, providing a nuanced understanding of the issues surrounding work.

Quick quotes

    Weeks engages initially with the unproblematic status afforded work in capitalist society.

    Its problematic status, Weeks wagers, is a site of political contestation.

    The book's strength lies in its interdisciplinary approach, blending feminist and Marxist critiques.

Journal of World-Systems Research · J Misra · 2013-01-01
insightful 4.25

The book offers a bold challenge to the presupposition that work is inherently good. The reviewer appreciates the book's interdisciplinary approach and its critical examination of work.

The reviewer highlights how Weeks boldly challenges the idea that work, or waged labor, is inherently a social and political good. They appreciate the book's interdisciplinary approach, which blends feminist and Marxist critiques to offer a comprehensive analysis of the issues surrounding work. The reviewer finds the book's arguments compelling and its exploration of postwork imaginaries particularly insightful. However, they note that the book's academic tone may be challenging for some readers.

Quick quotes

    In The Problem with Work, Kathi Weeks boldly challenges the presupposition that work, or waged labor, is inherently a social and political good.

    The book's strength lies in its interdisciplinary approach, blending feminist and Marxist critiques.

    The exploration of postwork imaginaries is particularly insightful.

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