My take is that “counterculture” is the wrong thing to look for when talking about changing the system. What’s actually going to do that is an entire generation that basically has decided to not try at their jobs and careers.
Previous generations had a substantial number of people who thought that either their jobs could be their passions, or at the very least that doing well at their jobs could lead to a better life. I think Gen-z and below have internalized that trying at your job doesn’t lead to better outcomes, and that’s the real thing that will lead to change.
I think that is a very interesting perspective, but think it will not lead to real or positive change.
In my opinion (dont take this personally), I think it is a victim mentality, that if someone self sabotages enough, someone else will fix things or improve their situation.
I think a closer model of reality is that most people are disposable. I dont think that people becoming more disposable less important increases leverage.
A lot of historic change has come from organized striking, but only when the strikers have coherent demands and productivity to leverage.
I think the key here is “at their jobs and careers”. New generations just don’t see their careers as the center of their livelihood. Their goals have nothing to do with climbing the ladder. It’s not a victim mentality to just refuse to participate in a rigged game, especially when there are other games to play. A job is a thing you do so you can live, that’s it.
Previous generations had a substantial number of people who thought that either their jobs could be their passions, or at the very least that doing well at their jobs could lead to a better life. I think Gen-z and below have internalized that trying at your job doesn’t lead to better outcomes, and that’s the real thing that will lead to change.