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In reponse to Gerry Kearns: My "Why work?" question was deliberately open-ended and asking for all kinds of different responses (including of course, Gerry's). I don't think I was asking for work to be abolished, rather I was implying that work should be meaningful (hence the 'Why'). The next question is than: "What form should work take?". Dr Kearn's is clearly advocating the paid job (that word itself has a very intersting etymology) as something that still brings self-worth, dignity etc. There are several problems with this: 1. In an age of flexibility, low wages, and fierce regional competition for limited jobs, the dignity of labour (if it was ever more than a myth promoted by the state) is fast vanishing to be replaced by cynicism and bitterness within low-paid, unfulfilling and degrading jobs that is easily the equal of the indignity of unemployment (See, for example, Jeremy Rifkin's book: 'The End of Work'). 2. This is a potentially very 'male' way of seeing work. I don't feel very qualified to go into this aspect- maybe someone else could add something here. 3. There is no chance of a return to 'full employment' in the traditional sense, therefore we have to begin looking at how all different human activities are viewed and valued. I would suggest that it is realistic, that I am 'starting from here', in suggesting that our ideas of work have to be broadened to include what produces the needs of people and communities in every way. That includes activites now too 'female' (housework, caring activities), too unprofitable (street entertainment for example) and even illegal. Developing community-centred economies would help (see Pearce, J. (1993): 'At the heart of the Community Economy'), as would supporting the numerous informal economic initiatives now springing up all over the place. I'm sure many on this forum know a great deal more about this area than me... Sorry this has been a somewhat long and ramshackle posting. David Wood. PS: (to Chris Ray) I would love to see Ken Livingstone more influential (or even leading) the Labour Party, but I think it's about as likely as Margeret Thatcher becoming a member of the SWP! I'll stay with the Greens for now. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%