Escape from Work? Distinctions within the Realm of Anti-Work

How can the diverse manifestations of anti-work be conceptualized? This paper examines the question through an empirical analysis of the most popular posts from the world’s largest anti-work online community, hosted on Reddit. It identifies distinct categories of anti-workers, defined by their stance on work/anti-work and whether their actions are individual or collective. In doing so, the paper highlights the interplay between structural grievances – such as low wages, poor working conditions, and job insecurity – and aspirations to reduce the centrality of work in everyday life. By disentangling these dimensions, it contributes to the broader discussion on contemporary labor transformations, emphasizing the importance of nuanced perspectives on anti-work dynamics. Drawing on the empirical findings, the paper concludes by presenting several key questions that will be further developed in the articles featured in this Special Issue.