The Once and Future Worker by Oren Cass

Last updated: Aug 17, 2023

Summary of The Once and Future Worker by Oren Cass

The Once and Future Worker by Oren Cass is a thought-provoking book that explores the challenges faced by the American workforce in the modern economy and proposes a new approach to address these issues.

Cass argues that the focus on GDP growth and efficiency has led to a neglect of the well-being of workers and their families. He highlights the decline of the labor market for less-educated workers, the erosion of the social fabric, and the negative consequences of globalization and automation.

According to Cass, the traditional measures of economic success, such as GDP and unemployment rates, do not capture the full picture of a healthy economy. He suggests that policymakers should prioritize the well-being of workers by focusing on three key pillars: work, family, and community.

Firstly, Cass emphasizes the importance of work and the need to create more good-paying jobs for all Americans. He argues that the government should adopt policies that promote domestic industries and protect workers from unfair competition. He also advocates for vocational education and apprenticeship programs to equip workers with the skills needed for the changing job market.

Secondly, Cass highlights the significance of strong families in promoting economic and social well-being. He suggests policies that support marriage, parental leave, and child-rearing, as well as measures to address the declining fertility rates in the country. Cass believes that a strong family structure is essential for the long-term success of individuals and society as a whole.

Lastly, Cass emphasizes the importance of community and the need for local institutions to play a greater role in supporting workers. He argues that communities should have the power to shape their own economic destiny and that policies should be designed to empower local decision-making and promote civic engagement.

In conclusion, The Once and Future Worker presents a comprehensive analysis of the challenges faced by the American workforce and offers a new framework for addressing these issues. Cass argues for a shift in priorities towards the well-being of workers, with a focus on creating good jobs, supporting strong families, and empowering local communities. By adopting these policies, Cass believes that America can build a more prosperous and inclusive society for all.

1. The Importance of Work

In "The Once and Future Worker," Oren Cass emphasizes the significance of work in people's lives and the overall well-being of society. He argues that work provides individuals with a sense of purpose, dignity, and fulfillment, and it is essential for their physical and mental health. Cass highlights the negative consequences of the declining labor force participation rate and the increasing reliance on government assistance programs, which he believes undermine the value of work and erode the social fabric.

Cass suggests that policymakers should prioritize policies that promote work and create opportunities for individuals to engage in meaningful employment. This includes reforms in education and training systems to equip workers with the skills needed for the modern job market, as well as reducing barriers to entry for businesses to encourage job creation. By recognizing the importance of work and implementing policies that support it, Cass argues that society can improve the well-being of individuals and strengthen communities.

2. The Impact of Globalization and Automation

Cass delves into the effects of globalization and automation on the American workforce. He acknowledges that these forces have led to significant economic growth and increased productivity but argues that they have also contributed to job displacement and wage stagnation for certain segments of the population. Cass challenges the prevailing notion that the benefits of globalization and automation will automatically trickle down to all workers, highlighting the need for proactive policies to address the negative consequences.

According to Cass, policymakers should focus on creating an environment that supports domestic industries and workers, rather than solely prioritizing global competitiveness. This includes measures such as trade policies that protect American industries from unfair competition, as well as investments in research and development to foster innovation and create new job opportunities. By recognizing the challenges posed by globalization and automation and implementing targeted policies, Cass believes that society can mitigate the negative impacts and ensure that the benefits are more widely shared.

3. The Role of Family and Community

Cass emphasizes the importance of strong families and communities in promoting individual well-being and social cohesion. He argues that the decline of these institutions has contributed to various social problems, including economic insecurity and social isolation. Cass suggests that policymakers should prioritize policies that support families and communities, such as promoting marriage and providing resources for parents to raise children.

Furthermore, Cass highlights the role of local communities in providing support networks and opportunities for individuals. He argues that policies should empower local communities to address their unique challenges and promote economic development. By recognizing the significance of family and community, Cass believes that society can foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals.

4. Rethinking Education and Training

Cass challenges the prevailing focus on college education as the primary pathway to success and argues for a broader approach to education and training. He suggests that policymakers should prioritize vocational training and apprenticeships, which provide individuals with practical skills and direct pathways to employment.

Cass also emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning and continuous skill development to adapt to the changing job market. He suggests that policies should support individuals in acquiring new skills throughout their careers, rather than solely focusing on formal education at the beginning of their working lives. By rethinking education and training, Cass believes that society can better equip individuals for the demands of the modern job market and promote economic mobility.

5. The Need for Geographic Mobility

Cass highlights the importance of geographic mobility in enabling individuals to access job opportunities and improve their economic prospects. He argues that policies should address the barriers that prevent individuals from moving to areas with better job prospects, such as restrictive zoning regulations and high housing costs.

Cass suggests that policymakers should promote policies that encourage affordable housing and reduce regulatory burdens, allowing individuals to relocate more easily. By facilitating geographic mobility, Cass believes that society can enhance economic opportunities for individuals and reduce regional disparities.

6. Rethinking Social Safety Nets

Cass challenges the traditional approach to social safety nets, which primarily focus on income redistribution. He argues that these programs often discourage work and perpetuate dependency, undermining the value of work and individual well-being.

Cass suggests that policymakers should prioritize policies that promote work and self-sufficiency, such as wage subsidies and work requirements for welfare programs. He argues that these measures can provide individuals with a pathway out of poverty and help restore the dignity and purpose that comes from work. By rethinking social safety nets, Cass believes that society can create a more inclusive and empowering system that supports individuals in achieving their full potential.

7. The Importance of Measurement

Cass emphasizes the need for better measurement of economic and social well-being beyond traditional indicators such as GDP. He argues that these measures often fail to capture the full range of factors that contribute to individual and societal flourishing.

Cass suggests that policymakers should develop more comprehensive metrics that consider factors such as labor force participation, family stability, and community engagement. By broadening the measurement of success, Cass believes that society can better understand the challenges and opportunities facing individuals and develop more effective policies to address them.

8. The Role of Civic Institutions

Cass highlights the importance of civic institutions, such as churches, community organizations, and labor unions, in fostering social cohesion and providing support networks for individuals. He argues that these institutions play a crucial role in promoting individual well-being and addressing social challenges.

Cass suggests that policymakers should prioritize policies that support and strengthen these civic institutions, such as tax incentives for charitable giving and protections for workers' rights to organize. By recognizing the role of civic institutions, Cass believes that society can create a more resilient and inclusive social fabric that supports individuals and communities.