A Right Livelihood: Meaningful Employment

Lester Hadsell ()
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Lester Hadsell: University at Albany, State University of New York, Department of Economics

Chapter 10 in Social Economies, 2026, pp 149-163 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract The third goal discussed in Part II of Social Economics is meaningful employment. In addition to generating money to buy essential things, work is an opportunity to realize human potential, to have purpose, to make a difference. The harm of unemployment is not only lost income and lost economic production but also costs to health and social ties, including divorce and suicide. Though full employment and wages are primary domains of economists, we also keep in mind that the goal is not simply employment but employment with meaning. Meaningful employment is key to happy, healthy, fulfilling lives. Research shows that individuals who find meaning in their work tend to be more productive and have higher job satisfaction. Employers whose workers find meaning in their jobs are likely to experience less turnover, and their employees engage in less counter-productive work behaviors. Artificial intelligence (AI) poses a challenge to this goal. AI could enhance employment, if it is used as a tool, or AI could devalue it, if AI replaces human creativity. If work is necessary for a happy, healthy, fulfilling life, then the path society chooses for incorporation of AI and the distribution of its benefits (and costs) is paramount.

Keywords: Meaningful employment; Unemployment; Labor-force participation (LFP); Gender pay gap; Trade; Technology; Technological change; China trade shock; Artificial intelligence (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-21916-9_10

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