Socialism and Work

Probably the best reason for not wanting to work is when it is unhealthful, e. g. when it is too physically stressful, when it is tediously repetitious, etc.  Another powerful influence on seeking to avoid it is when one is working for another, as is indicated by an unwillingness to endure difficulties that one might even welcome if they occurred while one was self-employed.  The Exploitation that Marxists target is an instance of that unhappy circumstance, aggravated by the stealing of surplus value that belongs to the worker who is its source.  Now, there are two alternatives to working for another--not working at all, and working for oneself.  Marxism seems to vacillate between the two as a remedy for Capitalist Exploitation, in some cases envisioning technological advances as eliminating the need to work, in others suggesting a concept of Socialism as universal Self-Employment, i. e. in which as a co-owner of the Means of Production, each is effectively working for oneself.  In contrast, Dewey, as has been previously discussed, less equivocally advocates the latter.  Nevertheless, 'socialism' in the U. S. is typically conceived as a passive condition, i. e. as pertaining to economic safety net provisions, e. g. health coverage.  The mixed receptivity to that version of the doctrine is a measure of a potential hostility towards the Dewey's vision of universal enjoyable work.