ABSTRACT
This chapter explores division of moral labour in two steps. First, it develops a historical perspective, indicating some secular changes. Second, the chapter discusses present-day aspects of moral division of labour, including narratives of praise and blame. The division of labour between government ministries is a reflection of a larger pattern, where technology is developed first, and somewhat at a distance from society, and then inserted in society for others to respond to, to adapt to, to domesticate, sometimes to criticise it—but later, when investments have already been made. Analysis in terms of division of moral labour can also be used to understand the actual and possible role of lay people, citizens, and consumers. Consumers, for example, are projected as having a duty to buy, and be informed, and calculate rationally— if only to ensure that neo-classical economics remains applicable.
