Until the 1990s, most students in the American school system had "shop class" - a period devoted to making things out of wood or metal, or learning how to repair cars and other machines. But "shop class" soon became computer class as focus turned to information and technology. In his book "Shop Class as Soulcraft: An Inquiry Into the Value of Work," motorcycle-repair shop owner and Ph.D. Matthew Crawford attempts to speak up for the honor of the manual trades and spirit of self-reliance that come with them. Crawford, who once headed a think tank in Washington argues that "a lot of people, including some who are very smart, would rather be learning to build things or fix things." Quotes "I think we have had this dichotomy of knowledge work vs. manual work, as though they are two very different things. But that is a distinction that just doesn't make a lot of sense to me." --Matthew Crawford, author "The irony is that I got that [office] job because I had a master's degree. And, so, I thought I had to use it and wear a tie and become a knowledge worker."- Matthew Crawford, author "I think there's fewer occasions to be responsible for your own physical environment. And, with that, I think comes less expectation of responsibility." - Matthew Crawford, author Warm Up Questions 1. What is your dream job? 2. Why do most people think of offices when they think of work? 3. When was the last time you fixed or built something? 4. While watching this video, write down what the author says about work and whether you agree or not. Discussion Questions 1. What is this author saying about American culture? Do you agree or disagree? 2. In what ways does this video affect how you think about kinds of work? 3. Do you think people who don't know how to fix things are less responsible for their own environment? Why or why not? 4. Do you think schools should reinstate "shop classes"? Why or why not? Additional Resources Transcript of this interview Download this Video