专访 | 哈佛学者：为何创业工作伦理让美国人疲惫不堪

Core Insights - The article discusses the growing trend of young individuals leaving traditional jobs to become "super individuals" or "one-person companies," focusing on personal branding and entrepreneurship, while facing significant challenges and exhaustion in the process [1][3] Group 1: Entrepreneurial Work Ethic - The concept of "entrepreneurial work ethic" has evolved from a business practice to an ideological tool that shifts risks from companies and society onto individual workers [3][4] - This work ethic emphasizes the need for individuals to continuously create new job opportunities rather than merely performing existing tasks, fostering a mindset of self-promotion and innovation even within traditional employment [4][6] - The historical development of this ethic includes several key phases, such as the "surplus age" of the late 19th century, the "entrepreneurial management" movement in the early 20th century, and its integration with neoliberal policies in the late 20th century [4][12] Group 2: Historical Context and Influences - The New Thought movement of the 19th century provided significant spiritual resources for the entrepreneurial work ethic, emphasizing the power of positive thinking and the belief that mental attitudes can shape reality [5][6] - The transition from manufacturing to service-oriented jobs during the "surplus age" created a climate of job scarcity, which further fueled the appeal of the entrepreneurial mindset [5][6] Group 3: Impact on Work Culture - The emphasis on creativity and self-expression in the workplace can sometimes serve as a refined management control strategy, potentially undermining more substantial challenges to workplace power dynamics [9][10] - The rise of social entrepreneurship in the 1960s and 70s aimed to provide meaningful work by addressing social issues, but the commercialization of these efforts often led to practices similar to traditional capitalist companies [11][12] Group 4: Economic and Social Implications - The narrative around entrepreneurship shifted from a trendy concept in the 1980s to a survival strategy in the 1990s, particularly for marginalized groups facing discrimination and economic instability [12][13] - Digital platforms like Uber exemplify the expansion of traditional work structures, where workers are classified as independent contractors, reinforcing the notion that individuals should find work to sustain themselves [13][15] Group 5: Consequences of Entrepreneurial Work Ethic - The entrepreneurial work ethic contributes to widespread burnout and exhaustion, as individuals are expected to not only perform well but also continuously innovate and create new opportunities [16][17] - Addressing the material anxieties that underpin the entrepreneurial work ethic, such as job security and access to essential services, may be more effective than merely critiquing entrepreneurialism [17]