Abstract
This article examines the attachment to the 'work ethic' and the potential for increased leisure in the face of the promise of micro processor and microelectronic technology and situates it within the history, nature and meaning of paid work in western capitalist societies. In a world of steadily shrinking employment, a strong adherence on the part of the young to the 'work ethic' is noted. Drawing upon a data sample of nearly 1,000 Telecom employees in Queensland, the attachment of technicians to paid work is assessed. As highly skilled workers they are found to be intensely bound to paid work except for those aged 51-60. An interest in early voluntary retirement is also present amongst those over 40. The young and the older age groups are preparing to bear the brunt of dwindling opportunities for paid employment. Just as adherence to the 'work ethic' is strong, so concepts of leisure are inappropriate for the kind of society which lies ahead.
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