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Writer's pictureAlirio Zimba

The Social Construction of Hyper Productivity: A Historical and Sociological Perspective




Since the dawn of civilization, society has placed great value on productivity and hard work. This concept of hyper productivity, characterized by a fast pace of production and a cult of efficiency, has deep roots in various social structures such as education, religion, and economy.


Historical Origins of Hyper Productivity

The incessant quest for excessive productivity dates back to the beginnings of the Industrial Revolution. With the advent of machines and the rise of mass production, work began to be seen as a commodity to be exploited for profit. Authors such as Karl Marx, in his works "Capital" and "Economic-Philosophical Manuscripts", analysed how industrial capitalism transformed labour relations, alienating workers and imposing exhausting working hours in favour of capital accumulation.


Throughout history, thinkers like Max Weber and Karl Marx have explored the relationships between productivity and social structure. Weber, in his work "The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism," argued that Protestant values such as the ethic of hard work and frugality were crucial for the development of modern capitalism and the mentality of hyper productivity.


Marx, on the other hand, analysed class dynamics and exploitation in the capitalist system, highlighting how the relentless pursuit of profit and efficiency drives production and the exploitation of labour.


Social Interconnections

Over the years, the way hyper productivity is compensated has varied, with the emergence of concepts such as value-added and productivity. Value-added refers to the value a product or service gains throughout the production process, while productivity is related to the relationship between production and the resources used to obtain it.

In this context, workers' compensation often directly correlates with their productivity and the value-added they provide. However, this relationship is not always fair or equitable, with many workers facing low wages and precarious working conditions despite their high productivity.


Social networks play a significant role in perpetuating hyper productivity, especially among young people. Platforms like LinkedIn promote a culture of constant self-promotion and competition, where an individual's worth is often measured by their professional success and productivity.

This can lead to high levels of stress and anxiety as young people strive to meet society's expectations and achieve professional success. Additionally, social networks can create an illusion of connection and fulfilment, leading young people to dedicate increasingly more time to work and the pursuit of online recognition and validation.


Conclusion

In conclusion, hyper productivity is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon, rooted in various social structures and shaped by concepts such as value-added, productivity, and compensation. To address the challenges it presents, a holistic approach is essential that takes into account not only the economic aspect but also the impact on individuals and society as a whole.

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