The Future of Work and Health

Abstract

This Unit signposts some of the directions in which society is moving and also relates some of the accompanying health issues. Alvin Toffler’s book Future Shock argues that five cultural changes, each with its stressors, are shaping the future. (a) The shift from a rural society to an urban-industrial one was accompanied by a new pattern of working. In contrast, the home now became a unit of consumption. (In traditional rural society the home was both a unit of consumption and production.) With industrialisation a new rhythm of time appeared, which disturbed the body’s former cycle. The home becomes a refuge where outside stress is discharged, women being the major ‘shock absorbers’. (b) Society has become very mobile. (c) Society has developed a ‘throwaway culture’, becoming consumer led; for example, the adult’s urge to change the car is matched by the children’s desire to wear only the latest trainers. A lack of permanency obstructs the formation of a consistent view of oneself. (d) Society becomes enmeshed with information technology. Its numerous, different messages, as in the media, cause information overload. Individuals are constantly aroused and stressed, unable to achieve, for example, advertising ideals. (e) Most people have become sedentary, relying heavily on machines at work and at home. Children are now often introduced to computer games at a very early age, with the illusion that players are in control. In reality this is not true. When adult, not being able to control one’s life is a major source of stress.