Cultivating Balance in a Capitalist World - the four ways capitalism sabotages our well-being
In the relentless pursuit of success and prosperity within modern capitalism, the relationship between capitalism and wellbeing often feels like an elusive dream. Capitalism’s influence on wellbeing stretches back to the industrial revolution, laying the groundwork for today’s burnout culture. Understanding how capitalism and wellbeing are intertwined is crucial for navigating the demanding world we face and finding ways to restore balance in our lives.
Post-War Economic Growth and Its Toll on Capitalism and Wellbeing
The seeds of burnout culture were sown in the early days of capitalism, as industrialization transformed agrarian economies into industrial societies. This shift marked a turning point where our lives became increasingly dictated by the demands of the clock, contributing to the challenges of capitalism and well-being that we encounter today.
The Rise of Modern Capitalism and its Toll on your wellbeing
Modern capitalism, with its emphasis on profit maximization and constant growth, has had profound implications for the workforce. The pressure to meet ever-increasing demands is a significant factor in capitalism’s impact on well-being. This relentless drive for productivity intensifies the challenges of maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life.
Factors Amplifying Stress in the Modern World
1. Technology and the 24/7 Work Cycle
The digital age has blurred the lines between work and personal life, exacerbating the issues of capitalism and wellbeing. Constant connectivity fosters a state of alertness that contributes to burnout.
2. Intense Competition and Job Insecurity
The competitive nature of modern capitalism heightens job insecurity and stress, directly impacting capitalism and wellbeing. The pressure to outperform and the fear of job loss erode mental and emotional health.
3. Consumerist Culture and Material Expectations
Capitalism’s consumerist culture drives a relentless pursuit of material wealth, often at the expense of personal wellbeing. This link between capitalism and wellbeing highlights the need to address the impact of material expectations on our lives.
4. Lack of Social Safety Nets
The deficiency of social safety nets in capitalist societies contributes to stress and burnout, underscoring the broader issues of capitalism and wellbeing. The absence of adequate support systems exacerbates the challenges we face
We’re not all in the same boat, but we are in the same storm
Now, of course, there’s comfort in knowing that we’re all struggling with the same capitalist induced problems. But the truth is, they affect each of us differently. I saw this saying recently by an unknown author where they wrote “We’re not all in the same boat. We’re in the same storm.” and I think that’s such a powerful way to look at these four main factors of how capitalism affects our experience of stress and burnout.
For some, the ability to disconnect from our jobs after the work-day is over because we feel secure enough in our role to do so – while others feel the need to check their phone and answer emails when they wake up at three am and can’t fall back asleep.
Some of us feel fine to come in to work and do what’s asked of us and go home at the end of the day, while others feel the need to be the first to arrive and the last to leave, to always be bringing in more business, or making more sales, or improving something or other.
Additionally, certain individuals manage to save a bit of money as a safety net, whereas others struggle to make ends meet, living paycheck to paycheck.
I’ve been there for all of these scenarios and I can tell you that the low to medium levels of stress that are constantly running through your body are exhausting. Existing is exhausting, and I am aware that I still hold a lot of privileges as a white woman.
The Path Forward: Cultivating Balance in a Capitalist World
So where do we go from here? How can we address the challenges posed by capitalism without falling into burnout?
#1. We need to build the skill of setting empathetic boundaries
#2. Next, we need to find the right way for us to prioritize true self-care, not just the disconnected-zone-out-while-you-binge-watch a Netflix series kind of self-care.
#3. Additionally, we need to start leading by example while advocating for cultural change. But sadly there’s no magic wand to bonk on the heads of the leaders of the world to snap us all out of the capitalist narrative – but you do have the ability to create change in your corner of the world.
#4. Finally, we need to bring our values and beliefs back into balance where they’re serving us, rather than sabotaging us. Redefining high achievement, success, and how one views well-being is a great place to start.
And so there you have it! By acknowledging the impact of modern capitalism and actively working towards a more balanced and compassionate approach to work-life balance, we can hope to create a future where success is measured not only in economic terms but also in the well-being of individuals and communities.
References:
Piketty, T. (2014). Capital in the Twenty-First Century. Harvard University Press.
Harari, Y. N. (2017). Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind. Harper.
Standage, T. (2013). Writing on the Wall: Social Media—The First 2,000 Years. Bloomsbury Publishing.
Standing, G. (2011). The Precariat: The New Dangerous Class. Bloomsbury Academic.
Schor, J. B. (1998). The Overspent American: Why We Want What We Don’t Need. Basic Books.
