What is the meaning "into profit-driven workaholic cults" by Peter. C Whybrow in When more is not enough.

Question

From Whybrow. American Mania: When More is Not Enough.

Answer 1

The author would seem to be arguing that businesses -- I mean all normal businesses, but perhaps especially large corporations wiith significant valuations on the stockmarket -- are places where (a) profit is the main goal (which should be true in theory, though in practice in large businesses drives for size, status of senior managers, prestige, etc, can be argued as interfering); (b) people who work for these businesses are expected, or at least encouraged or allowed, to work long hours, and perhaps take work home with them after hours, and to be motivated, in their lives as well as their work, primarily by business goals at the cost of not pursuing other life goals such as family, friendships, happiness, fun, spirituality, or leisure) [that's my offering to explain the word "workaholic"]; and (c) people inside the organization believe in its values, or behave as if they do, and (consciously or subconsciously) speak and act in ways which reinforce each other's belief in those values, and ostracize anyone who disavows them and/or leaves the organization [that's my attempt to put meaning to the word "cults"].

The pejorative connotations of the words "workaholic" and (especially) "cults" indicate that the author is opposed to what he perceives to be happening. In my opinion, the word "cult" has become so debased that, except among anthropologists and students of ancient religions, it has no more meaning than "fu*king", it usually merely indicates that the speaker hates the group he is talking about. However, I am giving Whybrow benefit of the doubt and assuming that as a serious writer he means something genuine by using this emotive word.

Answer 2

In means you have a job because you love your family and provide for them.....instead of being a marxist loser (aka a liberal).

This is the standard meaning whenever you see someone using emotional, distorted images to criticize virtue.

Answer 3

see my question from the brookings institute article.
we are a nation ruled by greed and stupidity. the problem is we have a skewed view of what is important and what works personally and in society.. we've been fed some lines.. swallowed hook,line and sinker..more is never enough.