How Can We Get More Out of Work (and Maybe Life) - Assignment Example

To expound on the discussion of rationality, Brubaker (1984) provided an overview through applications in capitalism and calculability. Capitalism was described as based on the continuous drive to arrive at a maximized or optimized level towards the ultimate goal of profit making. Modern society was noted to be driven by social and economic factors based on rational decision-making processes that ultimately aim to optimize the use of resources and get the most out of life and of work. As asserted, the application of market exchange, monetary calculation and capital accounting exemplify effective use of rationalization in terms of quantifying inputs or factors that assist individuals in making responsible decisions.

From one’s perspective, the concept of rationalization aids in current or future employment through access to resources and means that assist in making decisions regarding jobs, or life in general. The fact was corroborated by Ritzer (1993) who emphasized that formal rationality, defined as the technique or approach resorted to by people to search for a most viable course of action, from a set of alternative courses, is premised on regulations, rules or factors that abound in social structures.

For instance, in searching for employment, contemporary societies have designed access to sources of jobs through academic institutions, private or public organizations publishing positions open for employment, and employment agencies. All of these institutions set qualifications, requirements for employment, and processes to be followed by prospective job applications. Likewise, the government, through the Department of Labour, has institutionalized laws and regulations that prescribe minimum wages, benefits and other equal employment opportunities to prevent discrimination.