JOBS: How People Create Their Own

by William C. Ronco ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 30, 1977

Like the basket or jar that gives satisfaction without serving any particular purpose, so this book about self-made craft jobs (primarily) has a pleasing integrity and sense of purpose without telling all about anything. Since the impetus for people to ""design their own jobs"" often comes from dissatisfaction with existing work arrangements, it's appropriate to review the evils of bureaucratization--however well-known and obvious they are. Because personalization is central to the work collective and co-op movement, a focus on selected examples--in the crafts and professions, among shops and other small service businesses--serves better than an overall appraisal to encourage identification and exploration of possibilities. And though reading about the experiences of textile artists Linda and Geoff Post (ex-teachers who ""could be happy working at any of a number of crafts""), Mudflat pottery center, the Open Design architectural office (intent on ""working with rather than for a client""), a hybrid Washington insurance company, Waltham's Common Stock restaurant, etc., may not be the most efficient way to learn the co-operative ropes. . . well, efficiency is not the prime consideration of co-operators or those drawn to the movement, and numerous problems are raised, many recourses suggested, in the uneven course of events. Craftspeople, the likeliest to succeed at self-determination, get the most tangible and realistic help; here's how Jinx Harris Productions admits them to shopping malls and Emily Huntley's Garden Studio markets their work for them--two alternatives to setting up shop. Social policy, author Ronco points out, should favor participatory work groups for those whom they suit. His soft-sell does a good job of embodying as well as presenting his case.

Pub Date: Sept. 30, 1977

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Beacon

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1977

Categories: NONFICTION