arbetsplanet

Arbetsplanet is a neologism used in speculative discourse to describe a hypothetical planet organized around work as a central social and economic principle. The term blends the Swedish word arbets-, meaning work or labor, with planet, a common suffix in science fiction for celestial worlds.

Etymology and usage notes: The word is not part of established scientific or economic vocabulary. Its meaning is context-dependent and typically arises in thought experiments, utopian or dystopian fiction, and critical discussions about labor, productivity, and technological control. As such, arbetsplanet functions mainly as a metaphor for analyzing how work structures might shape a society on a planetary scale.

Context and interpretations: In fiction, an arbetsplanet may feature centralized planning, automation-driven production, and governance oriented toward maximizing output or efficiency. In theoretical discussions, it can serve as a lens to examine the social and ethical implications of pervasive work regimes, surveillance, or resource allocation tied to labor metrics. The concept often invites questions about human autonomy, inequality, and the balance between productivity and wellbeing.

Relation to real terms: Arbetsplanet is distinct from concrete terms like arbetsplats (workplace) and arbetsmarknad (labor market). It does not describe an actual astronomical object or a formal economic category. Its use remains largely metaphorical or speculative, rather than descriptive or prescriptive in policy or science.

See also: arbetsplats, arbetsmarknad, science fiction, speculative economics, utopian and dystopian literature.