Working Time Regulations in Europe - Essay Example

An ontological enquiry into the nature of work was undertaken along with the historical analysis of the available data leading to the present decision to choose civilized hours of work in Europe. The knowledge of the socio-cultural milieu of Europe is essential to this study. The statistical tools in the form of various charts have been used through out to validate each position arrived at in this study.Social Aspect of Human WorkHuman work derives its importance from its connection to other men.

Work comes from man and it is directed to man. By work, man is able to go beyond himself and reach out to others. In Khalil Gibran’s words: Work is love made visible. Man by his work alters society for the better. Thus it is a truly other- centered activity. Theoretically this could enrich economic life and could mitigate social inequalities but history has shown that it has often made people embittered in some places and has resulted in a decline of the social status of the underprivileged.

While a great number of people still lack the basic necessities of life, some live their lives in enviable luxury. Extravagance and squalor exist side by side. While a few are privileged with the power of choice, many do not have any control over their deprived condition and work and live in circumstances unworthy of a human being. The Industrial Revolution indeed has ushered in the machine age, but it has brought about a dehumanized mass- work culture all over Europe. In all ages men of vision understand the pitfalls of fast change.. The history of mankind is marred by the gruesome tales of atrocities committed by some on a few by various forms of subjugation.

The so-called golden ages of mankind, strewn with wonders of mammoth size and architectonic finesse, the marvels in stone and bronze and the sprawling pleasure palaces are soaked in blood, sweat and tears of millions of slaves. The ships that plied the ocean bed were powered by rhythmic pulling of the oars of countless number of chained galley slaves that perished in unknown seas. The auction centers of Africa where men and women were exhibited and bid by the ruthless slave traders and shipped to various destination in Europe and America to man the plantations there, produce in us, the reverberation of the question which Cain asked God: Am I my brother's keeper (The New Revised Standard Version, Gen.4.9).

Though the visible signs of slavery through collective bargain, education, legislation and the salutary influences of teachings of religions have been mitigated to a large extent still there is a tendency in man to dominate others. Many veiled forms of slavery are present in many parts of the world. This is a matter of genuine concern. While man enlarges his power everywhere, he does not always succeed in subjecting it to his ultimate welfare. The concept that destiny of an individual is intrinsically and inseparably connected with the destiny of entire humanity eludes many people.

Man's adventure in science and technology have provided such an abundance of wealth, resources and economic power, and yet these blessings have been withheld from a large proportion of the worlds citizens as they are still tormented by hunger and poverty and millions