Elon students enrolled in the general studies course "The Meaning of Work" hosted an all-day conference Thursday on the way labor defines identity in American society. The conference featured a documentary about unemployment made by students in the course, a panel discussion and presentations on the students' work.

The conference was entirely planned and fundraised by students in the GST course. Students raised $2,700 for the conference through the Liberal Arts Forum and several academic departments.

In the featured documentary, students interviewed unemployed individuals in Alamance County. The documentary also addressed how unemployment affects an individual's sense of worth.

"The issue is if the notion of work can exist with fulfillment," said Yoram Lubling, professor of philosophy, who leads the course.

The conference examined how people are often defined by their occupation and if work leads to fulfillment and happiness. It also addressed the value placed on money and the structure of capitalistic societies.

"If we live in a society where everyone is scared of losing their job, no one will rise up and challenge the existing system," Lubling said.

A panel discussion took place in the afternoon involving professors from several different departments including economics, political science and art. Panelists discussed how work establishes a sense of self-worth in individuals and how to combat unemployment in North Carolina.

Brooke Kassner, a senior taking the course, said students wanted a diverse panel that would represent different aspects of employment.

"You have to look at these issues from multiple perspectives, not just a philosophical one," Kassner said.

Sam Butler, assistant professor of philosophy and a panel member, pointed out that the perception of labor and social class often depend upon income.

"Seasonal workers live in sub-standard housing, but professional athletes are also seasonal workers," Butler said. "Fundamentally it is about money."

Students in the course also implemented a "time bank", where Elon students and members of the community log volunteer hours to receive incentives such as coupons and discounts rather than money. Students hope the time bank will be an enduring part of the project after the course is over and will involve the surrounding community.

North Carolina currently has the sixth highest unemployment rate in the nation, at 10.4 percent. Lubling said it is critical that students learn about the issues of unemployment so that they can make meaningful choices in their career paths that will lead to personal happiness and fulfillment.

"Young people's individual freedoms are limited because work defines them and the meaning of their lives," Lubling said.

Students in the GST course said they hope that by attending the conference other students will consider jobs that they are passionate about. They also hope the panel will spark awareness events on campus and further education about job fulfillment.

Kassner said she learned from taking the course how important it is to consider the motivations and reasons behind career choices.

"It is a critical point in students' lives when they can decide what they enjoy and pursue a career in that," Kassner said.