Work Ethic and Way of Life - Essay Example

The main difference between the work ethics of Americans and Europeans is that the United States is a more capitalistic society. 1.) "Capitalism is a system of wage-based labor and commodity production for sale, exchange, and profit rather than for immediate use of the producers" (Scott). In the United States, citizens feel that they have to work in order to enjoy life. They hold the philosophy that one must work in order to receive. Americans believe that everyone is out for themselves and that if one wants to improve their quality of life they must work for it. 2.) While the United States' work ethic is definitely money-oriented, it is not purely capitalistic. 4.) The United States government has adopted some practices with a socialist background and applied them to the American way of life.

Examples of these practices can be seen in free education for all, free healthcare for those that qualify, free food and food stamps for those that are in need, etc.In Europe, many citizens enjoy a more relaxed work schedule with long weekends and more vacation time. It seems that unlike Americans; Europeans manage to enjoy life on a smaller scale. They don't require the more expensive leisure activities and seem to be more satisfied with the simpler enjoyments in life. 3.) Some European states are more socialist in nature when compared to the capitalistic ways of the United States.

Socialism is "an economic and political system based on collective or state ownership of the means of production and distribution-spawned as a reaction to capitalism" (Scott). Socialist practices can be seen in some European countries through their embracing of universal healthcare, welfare, and free housing. 5.) While these conveniences make life easier and in turn more enjoyable, Americans worry that if they adopt these practices they may become too dependant on the government. Ultimately Americans fear a too-powerful government because it risks their liberty of living in a free country.

When the American way of life is compared to the lives of Europeans it is easy to see the differences. 6.) At the end living in America means that you are free to live your life as you please. Freedom is what the United States is founded on. Government aid can be helpful and make lives easier, but it could very easily get out of control. Americans fear to give too much power to their government. Instead, they choose to personally take control of their lives and trust the outcomes to no one but themselves.