(Expansion) – Few values are as precious within a society as the value of work. Since humanity evolved to form civilizations with organized structures, work activity has played a determining role in economic and social development.
Although the labor occupation paid in the construction of a better future for the communities through the centuries, over the course of history it also became a way of class separation that, far from promoting justice and equal opportunities, it was slowly cracking the social fabric hand in hand with polarization.
Over time, and to this day, the most physically demanding jobs are the ones that generally receive lower pay than other jobs.
However, it is indisputable that activities such as agriculture, mining, or fishing are of great relevance for the people of the world to keep our basic needs satisfied. Without them, we would simply lack the basics to survive, not to live comfortably.
Those who are engaged in agricultural, mining, fishing and other activities often receive very low wages that prevent them from accessing consumer products for their families, and services such as quality education and health care. Instead, they contribute a lot to the economy and society.
In reality, jobs held by college graduates tend to be the best paid in Mexico, as well as in the United States and many other countries.
However, the truth is that the number of individuals who obtain a university degree is relatively small (in Mexico, although the same occurs in most developed and emerging nations), so that a large part of the population hardly aspires to graduate from high school. a public or private university.
Of course, it is legitimate for any young person to want to be an engineer, lawyer or architect in order to generate enough income to improve their quality of life. However, that part of the population that cannot access higher education should not be excluded from development, much less be considered less valuable for the common good.
Working people with technical skills (but without university studies) for construction, maintenance and industry are part of a value chain that has opened the key to economic growth in recent decades. Of course, the salaries received by these individuals have remained practically stagnant.
In turn, educators are professionals who contribute enormously to society. Although the income of teachers varies depending on various factors, we could agree that, in general, they do not enjoy a salary equal to their contributions to the collective interest.
It is important to underline that it is not exclusively about economic remuneration. Clearly, any worker seeks to obtain income for their efforts, but, additionally, they want their work to be recognized.
Do we appreciate as a society the work carried out by hard-working people such as nurses, policemen or firefighters? We are talking about jobs in which integrity and life are even put at risk in pursuit of a greater public purpose.
Valuing work is making visible the dignity that exists in the effort to put talent and productivity at the service of the common good. So, working implies feeling part of a society that values our effort and makes us part of its development and growth.
Decent work makes us more human. Where the culture of effort is appreciated and it is understood that work activity must be inclusive, social cohesion and progress are possible.
Within a democratic and responsible society, all people must be recognized for their productive role, regardless of their field of performance, school grade, and economic wealth. Each individual is valuable and their work adds to the construction of a better future.
Editor’s note: José Guillermo Fournier Ramos is a professor at the Universidad Anáhuac Mayab. Vice President of Masters AC, a civil association that promotes effective communication and social leadership. He is also a communication and image consultant, analyst and doctoral student in Government. Follow him on and on . The opinions expressed in this column belong exclusively to the author.
