| | The '''work ethic''' consists of choosing productive work over unproductive activities, in order to improve the condition of oneself, one's family, and society at large. | | The '''work ethic''' consists of choosing productive work over unproductive activities, in order to improve the condition of oneself, one's family, and society at large. |
| | In the late 1700s, when most Americans worked in agriculture on small farms or in small family businesses, the average full-time worker spent six days - a total of 72 hours a week, - working on the job.<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1977/12/25/200-years-ago-the-12-hour-day-the-6-day-week/8a0f3c78-b7a0-4db4-ac33-00649519d1eb/ 200 Years Ago - The 12-Hour Day, The 6-Day Week], Washington Post, 1977</ref> According to the Economic History Association, "In the 1800s, many Americans worked seventy hours or more per week and the length of the workweek became an important political issue."<ref>[https://eh.net/encyclopedia/hours-of-work-in-u-s-history/ Hours of Work in U.S. History], Economic History Association</ref> (During the time of the [[industrial revolution]] in the 1800s, many people were factory workers and many factories had poor working conditions. In addition, labor unions pushed for lower working hours per week.). | | In the late 1700s, when most Americans worked in agriculture on small farms or in small family businesses, the average full-time worker spent six days - a total of 72 hours a week, - working on the job.<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1977/12/25/200-years-ago-the-12-hour-day-the-6-day-week/8a0f3c78-b7a0-4db4-ac33-00649519d1eb/ 200 Years Ago - The 12-Hour Day, The 6-Day Week], Washington Post, 1977</ref> According to the Economic History Association, "In the 1800s, many Americans worked seventy hours or more per week and the length of the workweek became an important political issue."<ref>[https://eh.net/encyclopedia/hours-of-work-in-u-s-history/ Hours of Work in U.S. History], Economic History Association</ref> (During the time of the [[industrial revolution]] in the 1800s, many people were factory workers and many factories had poor working conditions. In addition, labor unions pushed for lower working hours per week.). |