Labor in a Free Society

Labor in a Free Society explores the evolving role of labor within the framework of industrial society and its impact on individual freedom. Drawing from discussions held at a 1958 conference organized by the Fund for the Republic, this collection of essays tackles the tensions between modern technology, economic structures, and human autonomy. Featuring contributions from leading voices in labor, academia, and industry, the book examines issues ranging from the alienation caused by automation to the internal dynamics of trade unions and their role in a democratic society. By blending philosophical inquiry with practical case studies, the volume provides a multidimensional perspective on how industrialization shapes labor relations and individual freedoms.

At its core, the book is a call to confront the challenges posed by industrial modernity, such as centralization versus local autonomy and the balance between economic security and worker mobility. Essays by figures like Erich Fromm, Archibald Cox, and Sumner Slichter probe the philosophical and practical implications of labor policies, union governance, and technological advancements. While not offering definitive answers, the collection seeks to stimulate ongoing discussion and research, urging readers to critically evaluate the values underpinning labor in a rapidly changing society. By doing so, it aims to redefine freedom in ways that resonate with the complexities of industrial life.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1959.