From Keynes' Possibilities to Contemporary Precarities: Reflections on the Origins of Our Economically and Politically Precarious Times

Abstract

In his essay Economic Possibilities for Our Grandchildren John Maynard Keynes delineates an economic utopia where most work is done with the aid of technology. In contrast to pessimistic views associated with the term ‘technological unemployment’ today, Keynes offers an optimistic vision for work societies where technology facilitates more freedom from paid work. Keynes also envisaged a softening of the capitalist work ethic and achievement principle. Today, however, technologically inflicted unemployment is perceived as a threat where gainful employment as a cost and meaningful activity is reduced while profits are maximized. Simultaneously, moral pressures to be employed, self-sufficient and to contribute to society have solidified. Inspired by Keynes' vision, it is argued that the origins of our economically and politically precarious times lie in a ‘de-politicization of work’. What Keynes perceives as economic possibilities needs to be complemented with political possibilities which otherwise turn into economic and political precarities.