Question 1

Schumacher argues that the core difference between Western economics and Buddhist economics is that the former is based on the multiplication of wants while the latter is based on purification of the human character.

Accepted Answer

E.F. Schumacher, in his essay "Buddhist Economics," contrasts Western economics' focus on maximizing consumption and wants with Buddhist economics' emphasis on simplicity, non-violence, and the purification of human character.

Question 2

How does Schumacher describe the Buddhist conception of work?

Accepted Answer

Schumacher, in his Buddhist economics perspective, describes work as having multiple dimensions that go beyond mere production. These include personal development, overcoming ego by collaborating with others, and producing needed goods and services.

Question 3

Describe the concept of "Right Livelihood," as presented in Schumacher's text. Can you see any number of ways earning an income can be harmful to oneself and others? What are some examples?

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Question 4

What freedom does Marx say the bourgeoisie have promoted in their exploitation of the workers?

Accepted Answer

Marx argues that the bourgeoisie have promoted the freedom of trade as part of their exploitation of the working class, facilitating the global expansion of capital and the commodification of labor.

Question 5

Schumacher notes, "While the materialist is mainly interested in goods, the Buddhist is mainly interested in __________."

Accepted Answer

Schumacher, in his discussions on Buddhist economics, contrasts the materialist focus on goods with the Buddhist emphasis on liberation, highlighting the spiritual and ethical dimensions of economic life from a Buddhist perspective.

Question 6

Schumacher thinks that the "very start of Buddhist economic planning" would be planning for full employment. How does he suggest that a society should go about accomplishing this aim? Do you think that full employment is a reasonable goal? Do you think that full employment is a moral obligation for governments and societies?

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The answer of Schumacher thinks that the "very start of...

Question 7

Free education for all children in public schools. Abolition of children's factory labor in its present form. Combination of education with industrial production, etc.

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Question 8

Many people think of affirmative action as meant fundamentally for African Americans. Describe in detail how Hooks' experience complicates these assumptions.

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Question 9

Hooks engages in a "rethinking the nature of work." What are the conclusions of her argument? Restate in your own words her thoughts on a "new work ethic." Why, in Hooks' view, is this new ethic necessary?

Accepted Answer

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Question 10

Buddhists and modern economists agree that wellbeing can be measured by consumption.

Accepted Answer

Buddhists often emphasize detachment from material possessions and the idea that true wellbeing comes from inner peace and enlightenment, rather than consumption. Modern economists, on the other hand, may use consumption as one of several indicators of economic wellbeing, but they recognize that it is not the sole measure of overall wellbeing.

Question 11

How does Hooks think that women are exploited economically? What evidence does she put forward for this view? Do you agree with her conclusion? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

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Question 12

Which of the following characterizes a Buddhist point of view __________.

Accepted Answer

Buddhism emphasizes balance in all aspects of life, including the balance between work and leisure, viewing them as complementary parts of a well-rounded life.

Question 13

Hooks writes that jobs should be created by shortening the work week. Do you think Marx and Engels (Reading 91) and Bertrand Russell (Reading 92) would agree? Why or why not? Does this seem moral and feasible to you? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Hooks writes that jobs should be created...

Question 14

If we lived in a society and world more in line with the suggestions of Michael Walzer (Reading 46), Peter Singer (Reading 50), John Rawls (Reading 48), Thomas Pogge (Reading 51), and others in Chapter 7, would Hooks' concerns by alleviated? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

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Question 15

Shipler argues for the classic American view that hard work and intelligent decision making is sufficient to lift anyone of average intelligence and diligence out of poverty.

Accepted Answer

David K. Shipler, in his book "The Working Poor: Invisible in America," argues that this classic view is overly simplistic and does not take into account the complex interplay of societal, economic, and policy factors that trap people in poverty, suggesting that hard work and intelligence alone are not sufficient to overcome these barriers.

Question 16

What negative consequences does Hooks cite as a result of more education women entering the workforce?

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Question 17

Hooks claims that attitudes toward work in much feminist writing reflect bourgeois class bias.

Accepted Answer

bell hooks critiques much of feminist writing for reflecting a bourgeois class bias, particularly in its attitudes toward work, arguing that it often overlooks the experiences and perspectives of working-class and poor women.

Question 18

Schumacher writes of three functions of work from the Buddhist point of view. What are these functions? Does this seem like an accurate description of work, or does it leave something out? Support your answer with specific examples.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Schumacher writes of three functions of work...

Question 19

What factor does Hooks identify as the playing the biggest role in leading women to seek work outside the home?

Accepted Answer

Hooks identifies the financial needs that came from raising children as the primary factor that led women to seek work outside the home.

Question 20

On what grounds does Hooks criticize the "work liberates women" ideology?

Accepted Answer

Hooks criticizes the "work liberates women" ideology on several grounds, including the fact that many women were already working outside the home without experiencing liberation, the types of jobs available to women were often menial and low-paying, and the ideology could pressure women into accepting poor working conditions in the name of liberation.

Quiz 10: Working