Activity, Contemplation, and the Shortage of Good Work

Abstract
Is there a shortage of good work in the U.S. economy? We examine this question by integrating approaches from economics and theology. Theological reflection provides a biblically- and magisterially-grounded definition for good work. Descriptive economic analysis using three contemporary datasets suggest the following: recent cohorts have seen declines in job satisfaction, especially concentrated among higher-skill workers. Time-use suggests very similar patterns across cohorts with respect to contemplative activities, with the exception of religious attendance. Opinion data show troubling signs of a crisis of meaning among younger cohorts. The data also provide little evidence that reciprocity in work relationships is on the decline. Given these trends, we offer insights from the theological tradition regarding meaning and work, especially the role that relationality and contemplation likely play in creating the shortage of meaning-filled work.