Ecological postwork theory

Postwork explores the possibility of futures characterized by a radically different quantity and rhythm, organization and ethical valuation of work. It combines substantial critiques of work with imaginaries and proposals for emancipatory social change, to overcome a society relentlessly centred on work and productivism. We give an overview of the notion of postwork and clarify its ecological relevance. After discussing the ecological significance of work, we reflect on the ways in which the postwork literature has (or has not) engaged with ecological questions. While we find that postwork is not necessarily or commonly connected to ecological issues, there are notable contributions that relate to ecological concerns in novel and inspiring ways and offer valuable ideas for an ecological postwork theory and non-reformist eco-politics. We conclude by pointing out certain aspects that postwork, both in research and as a political project, could further address to develop its full ecological potential.