Thanks to the author for this interesting article.

Arguably 'total work' is connected with capitalism. As a system, capitalism depends upon constant expansion of markets in order to maintain (relative) stability.

Increased women's participation has increased women's independence - a good thing. But it was conceded in part because capitalism trumped patriarchy. (women's participation meant a growth in consumer markets; but also a growth in GDP; and hence the economic power of those advanced capitalist economies that underwent the transition)

But ironically this is largely being paid for through the exploitation of other women - in particular I refer to the exploitation of skilled women workers in child care.

Many women also turned to family for child care. BUT NOW the Abbott Neo-Cons are winding back subsidies for exploited (largely women) workers in areas like child care and aged care. AND crucially they are suggesting a retirement age of *70*. It is presumed future families will turn to commercial child care - but this is largely predicated on continued exploitation of child care workers.

Meanwhile penalty rates are under fire; while unpaid overtime is on the rise.

Increasingly capitalism itself survives through what this author calls 'total work' - something that flies in the face both of the past gains of labour; but also religious sensibilities that there must be a time for rest; and that some things are sacred - and not everything subordinated to 'commercial imperatives'.

In this those with spiritual/religious motivations, social justice motivations and/or both could well find common ground. But we will only be able to provide solutions if we are willing to be honest about capitalism. I am a liberal democrat, a Christian and a socialist - But I hope other Christians, for instance, will be open to what I have to say about capitalism.

And even if others are not ready for democratic socialism - even striving for a 'hybrid' system - could still mean a degree of social amelioration for those fallen victim to the dominant Ideology of endless growth regardless of personal or social cost.

BTW if anyone is reading this a Happy Easter to you all.

This explains why those hard-working Godless Chinese, deprived of the benefits of Christianity, have no public holidays, festivals or celebrations...

Apart from New Year's Day, Spring Festival, Chinese New Year, Lantern Festival, Zhonge Festival, Qing Ming Jie, Labour Day, Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, and National Days, of course.

http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/china/

Really this article is just an application of an old Peter Sellick technique -- find something that everyone agrees is a good thing, and try to pretend that your religion is responsible for it.

great thoughts tristen..you inspired me to read the article.
but it has the feel of a time and motion study..that hasnt given a thought to the meanings behind SABBATH DAYS OR holy days..GIVING ME LITTLE TO RESPOND TO..regarding either.

I DO NOTE ALL THE DAYS off we get..are in the beginning of the year
and the money changers in usa seem to hAVE MORE 'BANBK HOLIDAYS TYPE DAYS WHERE THEY ARE CLOSED.

WE went 24/7..to allow capitalists to keep busy more people
just spo we dont have to waste time thinking about what easter really means

jesus didnt die for us..he died then returned
to prove that there is no 'judgment' day..and no reserction,,'day'

HE DIED TO PROVE THAT DEATH IS SIMPLY REBIRTH
BUT THE WORKING SLOBBS TOO BUSY WORKING TO GET TIME TO THINK

workers even work..in their sleep/dreams
in the future many will actually be 'doing'..their actual work..while sleeping...instead of sleeping away their life.

i would say happy easter/but there are too many
wrong-ways to be happy about this most sacred of daze.

may the easter mess-age..work its healing
as intended.. to advise.the worker..of the alternatives

IF YOUR WORK [YANG]..ISNT FUN..
YOUR SLEEP..is the wrong type of sleep..[YIN]
we musT..KEEP A DAY OF REST..[OR WHATEVER THE SABBATH/MEANS]..AS SACROSANCT..As kismet..or KARMA.

the balancing of the imballanced...as we learned
via the way..[ta0]..of christ love of other

no judgment day/but our dreams
no reserction day..because living keeps on giving[ye shall all be born again/again/again..[energy cant be created..nor destroyed..but must constantly change state.

ahhh men

anyhow..my spirit guides aske me to advise auther
[does hanging a dead/sleeping..naked man..IN THE WORKPLACE..improve work efficiency?]

its called penalty rate mate..for good reason
http://forum.onlineopinion.com.au/thread.asp?discussion=6335&page=0

or visa versa..

how much credit can you give other
for ignoring THAT JUDGMENT..'DAy'..HAS BEEN JUDGED
BY INFINITE ;lOVE MERCy and grace..AND FOUND FLAWED

AND RESERCHTION 'DAY' HAS BEEN REFUTED simply
..BY KNOWING HOW E[ENERGY]=[EQUALS]..m[mass]..times the speed of light itimes the flight..that gives a reaLY BIG NUMBER..BUT IS JUST LIKE SAYING..the energy potential of your mind=mass times

google it
give it a try
im a christian
im here to help

here
http://www.google.com.au/search?q=masss+times
just to help us all see that revealed in the light
god doth not take sabbath..the sun is tireless..the hoLY SPIRIT IS ever WILLING..willing all living to simply live..

ASKING WHY ALL THIS CONFOUNDED KILLING
http://forum.onlineopinion.com.au/thread.asp?discussion=6326&page=0

HOW IS THE LIFE GIVER [HOLY WHOLLY SPIRIT]
RESPECTED BY DISREPECTING THE QUALITY OF LIFE?

what would we do if the holy spirit sustaining us our living took a day off..or our god/[the sun]..took his day off..can we give them a day off?

think about it as you rest/
what of those who are ever restless?
driven..should we tell them relax..we see ya..and appreciate ya

Thank you, Justine,

Let us remember that having to work for money is only an accident, that if we still have a life - it's despite this sort of slavery, not because of it.

Happy Easter, Tristan and everyone!