"It is not only eminent scientists who can derive pleasure through work, nor is it only leading statement who can derive pleasure through advocacy of a cause. The pleasure of work is open to anyone who can develop some specialised skill, provided that he can get satisfaction from the exercise of his skill without demanding universal applause."

Explain how the statement above applies to teachers. You must also use ONE relevant theory from this course (i.e. Aristotle, John Locke, or Émile Durkheim) to help you discuss about the meaning and value of labour in this type of work.

1 answer

The statement above can certainly apply to teachers. Just like scientists and advocates, teachers can derive pleasure from their work if they have specialized skills and find satisfaction in exercising those skills, regardless of the universal applause they receive.

To discuss the meaning and value of labor in teaching, Émile Durkheim's theory on the division of labor can be applied. According to Durkheim, a well-functioning society is characterized by the division of labor, where individuals perform specialized tasks based on their skills and knowledge. In this context, teaching is seen as a specialized skill within the division of labor.

Durkheim believed that labor holds great value because it provides individuals with a sense of purpose, strengthens social bonds, and contributes to the overall stability and functioning of society. Accordingly, teachers, by imparting knowledge and nurturing young minds, play a crucial role in the division of labor and the development of society.

The pleasure derived from teaching can be related to Durkheim's theory. Teachers who possess the specialized skill set and find joy in utilizing their knowledge and expertise to educate students experience a sense of purpose and satisfaction. Their work contributes to the development of future generations and the betterment of society.

Moreover, Durkheim emphasized that the division of labor helps individuals establish a collective conscience, which refers to shared values, beliefs, and norms that hold society together. Teachers play a significant role in shaping this collective conscience by imparting not just knowledge but also values, ethics, and social norms to their students. By doing so, teachers contribute to the formation of a cohesive society.

In conclusion, the statement that pleasure in work is open to anyone with specialized skills, without the need for universal applause, is applicable to teachers. Their work holds great meaning and value within the division of labor, and it aligns with Durkheim's theory that labor contributes to the functioning and development of society.