Axel Honneth's theory of recognition confronted with the health crisis: work, labour and social contribution

Axel Honneth's social philosophy attaches considerable importance to work, both as a model of cooperation and a means of self-realization. Because it links social esteem with self-esteem, and more generally relates work activity to social organization as a whole, his theory of recognition sheds light on the demands for the recognition of "essential" occupations, just as it provides elements with which to understand the crisis of the meaning of work that emerged during the COVID-19 epidemic. However, by linking social utility to the notion of achievement and by focusing on the reproduction of values and ideals rather than on material reproduction, does not recognition theory miss an opportunity for deeper reflection on the "essential" character of certain forms of contribution to society, which are the result of laborious and necessary work? The aim of this article is to re-interrogate the theory of recognition in the light of these questions.