In *The Fourth Great Awakening and the Future of Egalitarianism* (2000), economic historian Robert Fogel argues that the focus of the American egalitarian impulse has shifted over time: from securing political rights, to redistributing material/economic resources, and most recently to the distribution of 'spiritual resources' — immaterial assets such as self-esteem, a sense of purpose, and family stability. Fogel treats this shift as the defining feature of what he calls the Fourth Great Awakening.

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This 2000 book by economic historian Robert William Fogel, published by the University of Chicago Press, serves as the primary source for his analysis of lifetime work and leisure. The work details his methodology, including the definitions of discretionary and leisure time, and presents his historical estimates and future projections on the subject.

Fogel's 'The Fourth Great Awakening and the Future of Egalitarianism' (2000)

Egalitarianism is a school of thought within political philosophy holding that all humans are equal in fundamental worth or moral status. It prioritizes equality among people, though different doctrines disagree on what should be equalized and how. Its forms range from political equality (equal rights and political power) to economic egalitarianism, which concerns a fairer distribution of wealth, income, and resources.

Egalitarianism

Economic historian Robert Fogel estimated total work hours from a lifetime perspective, including past trends and projections for the future, such as for the year 2040. His comprehensive measure of 'total work' includes paid work, commuting, and housework, providing a different analytical lens compared to traditional data which focuses only on the paid work hours of currently employed individuals.

Robert Fogel's Concept of Lifetime Work Hours

Robert Fogel's theory of the 'Fourth Great Awakening' posits that American society undergoes cyclical periods of intense religious and social reform. He argues that the late 20th century marked the beginning of a fourth such cycle, characterized by a focus on spiritual or 'non-material' inequality, contrasting with earlier awakenings that addressed issues like slavery or economic disparity.

Fogel's Theory of the Fourth Great Awakening

Robert Fogel interprets the political realignment of the 1990s in the United States as a consequence of the emerging Fourth Great Awakening. He suggests that the political landscape shifted as voters began to prioritize issues related to culture, values, and 'spiritual inequality' over traditional economic concerns, leading to new political coalitions and cleavages.

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