Dirty Work: Essential Jobs and the Hidden Toll of Inequality

Dirty work is labor that is essential but morally compromised, such as patrolling the wards of violent prisons, working in industrial slaughterhouses, and operating drones. This book explores the hidden world of these essential workers and the moral dilemmas they face.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 05 January 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Dirty work is a term used to describe labor that society deems necessary but morally questionable. It encompasses a wide range of jobs that are often hidden from public view, including those performed by guards who patrol the wards of America's most violent and abusive prisons, undocumented immigrants who work on the kill floors of industrial slaughterhouses, and drone operators who kill people from thousands of miles away. These essential workers are often marginalized and face a range of occupational hazards, including stigma, shame, and moral injury.

A compelling investigation into the phenomenon of dirty work, "Dirty Work" will challenge the way we think about society. Written by Michael J. Sandel, a New Statesman Book of the Year, the book explores the inequality in work and prompts a public reckoning with the issue. Sandel argues that dirty work is disproportionately performed by marginalized groups, such as immigrants and people of color, and that it entails a less familiar set of occupational hazards.

The book is scathing and thoughtful, offering a nuanced analysis of the moral implications of dirty work. Sandel challenges the notion that certain jobs are essential and morally neutral, instead suggesting that they are deeply intertwined with social and economic inequality. He explores the ways in which dirty work sustains modern society but is concealed from our gaze, and the ways in which it perpetuates stigma, shame, and moral injury.

One of the book's most striking features is its use of case studies to illustrate the moral dilemmas faced by dirty workers. These case studies include the story of a drone operator who struggles with the moral implications of killing people from thousands of miles away, as well as the story of a prison guard who becomes increasingly desensitized to the violence he witnesses on a daily basis.

Another important aspect of the book is its exploration of the ways in which dirty work is shaped by social and economic structures. Sandel argues that dirty work is often performed by low-wage workers who are vulnerable to exploitation and discrimination. He also explores the ways in which dirty work is used to maintain social order and control, particularly in the context of the criminal justice system and the military.

Overall, "Dirty Work" is a thought-provoking and important book that will change the way we think about society and the moral implications of our work. It is a must-read for anyone interested in social justice, inequality, and the ethics of work.

Weight: 226g
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781801107235