"Time, Work Discipline and Industrial Capitalism"

Paper Summary:

This paper attempts to assess the modern day relevance of EP Thompson's theoretical assumptions; time and work. As such, the paper examines Thompson's short paper, "Time, Work Discipline and Industrial Capitalism". The paper explains that, in order to do this, it is first necessary to understand the main suppositions of the time and work thesis before assessing their modern relevance. The paper then relates that such an overview is necessary in order for the time and work assertions to be conceptualised within Thompson's overall framework. Only when one fully comprehends the historical motivations that drove Thompson, is it possible for a succinct evaluation of the time and work thesis to be offered. In addition, it must always be bore in mind that for his entire life, Thompson was a strong minded communist. Although the Soviet invasion of Hungary in 1956 dented his belief in the values of Soviet communism, his own communist credentials remained unchanged. This fact is vital for understanding his interpretation of time and work.

From the Paper:

"The name EP Thompson and the word relevant often go hand in hand. Above all, the success of the time and work thesis is the same as in much of Thompson's other work; the placing of the ordinary individual at the centre of the debate. Many of his communist predecessors, including Marx himself failed to do this, focusing instead on the primacy of classes. Thompson's wish to rescue the Luddite cropper and the obsolete hand-loom weaver was both noble and successful, and resulted in an explosion of social history and of social historians. In this respect, the ideas and opinions espoused by EP Thompson are as relevant today as they ever were. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Green, Anna and Troup, Kathleen. "The House of History: A critical reader in twentieth century history and theory" Manchester: Manchester University, 1999.
• Thompson, EP. "The Making of the English Working Class" London: Penguin, 1968.
• Thompson, EP. "Time, Work Discipline and Industrial Capital" From "Past and Present" Oxford: Oxford University, 1952 onwards.

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