Bullshit job

Bullshit Job

A bullshit job is a term coined by anthropologist David Graeber to describe a form of employment that is perceived as meaningless, unnecessary, or unfulfilling. These jobs are often characterized by tasks that do not contribute to the betterment of society or the organization, yet they persist due to various economic, social, or political factors.

Definition

The concept of a bullshit job was popularized by David Graeber in his 2013 essay "On the Phenomenon of Bullshit Jobs" and later expanded in his 2018 book "Bullshit Jobs: A Theory." According to Graeber, a bullshit job is one that the worker feels is so pointless that even the worker cannot justify its existence, even though the worker might be well-compensated.

Characteristics

Bullshit jobs often have the following characteristics:

• Lack of Purpose: The job does not contribute to the production of goods or services that are valued by society.
• Bureaucratic Nature: Many bullshit jobs exist within large bureaucratic organizations where tasks are created to justify the existence of certain positions.
• Psychological Impact: Workers in bullshit jobs often experience feelings of alienation, depression, and a lack of fulfillment.
• Economic Inefficiency: These jobs can be seen as a misallocation of human resources, where individuals are not utilized to their full potential.

Types of Bullshit Jobs

Graeber identifies several types of bullshit jobs, including:

• Flunkies: Jobs that exist to make someone else look or feel important.
• Goons: Jobs that involve aggressive or manipulative activities, such as lobbyists or telemarketers.
• Duct Tapers: Jobs that exist to fix problems that should not exist in the first place.
• Box Tickers: Jobs that exist to allow an organization to claim it is doing something it is not.
• Taskmasters: Jobs that involve unnecessary supervision or management.

Criticism and Debate

The concept of bullshit jobs has sparked debate among economists, sociologists, and business leaders. Critics argue that the term is subjective and that what may seem pointless to one person may be valuable to another. Others suggest that the rise of bullshit jobs is a symptom of deeper systemic issues in the economy, such as the need to maintain employment levels in a post-industrial society.

Impact on Society

The prevalence of bullshit jobs has implications for both individuals and society as a whole. For individuals, working in a bullshit job can lead to decreased job satisfaction and mental health issues. For society, the existence of such jobs can lead to inefficiencies and a misallocation of resources.

Also see

• David Graeber
• Meaningful work
• Job satisfaction
• Bureaucracy
• Post-industrial society