5 ms·

I think this is a side-effect rather than intentional.

• eeZah7Ux 8y ago
  History proves otherwise. In many cultures, including ancient Greece, China and the roman empire, scholars described that artificially creating employment to prevent social unrest was not uncommon.
  • TeMPOraL 8y ago
    Maybe in the past, but these days, it would require unprecedented (in western democracies) levels of direct influence. On the other hand, the market is itself extremely good at keeping people occupied, chasing ever diminishing salaries.
    • pixl97 8y ago
      >levels of direct influence Um... isn't that exactly what a 'jobs program' is. The US government has a lot of programs with private industry along those lines.
  • leetcrew 8y ago
    sure, but is the revolt prevented by keeping them busy or by giving them an (albeit bullshit) means of keeping food on their tables? i'm not a historian, but most of the revolts i've learned about were immediately preceded by severe scarcities of essential items.