Define manual labor and mental labor and discuss how each is regarded in the United States.  Define emotional labor and discuss how it adds to understanding of the work system.

Manual labor refers to physical work that requires strength, skill, and effort, such as construction, farming, and manufacturing. In the United States, manual labor has historically been seen as essential but often undervalued. Many manual labor jobs are associated with lower pay and fewer benefits compared to white-collar jobs, leading to a perception of manual labor as less prestigious.

Mental labor, on the other hand, refers to work that requires cognitive skills, problem-solving, and decision-making, such as office work, management, and professional services. In the United States, mental labor is often highly regarded and associated with higher pay, better benefits, and greater prestige. This can lead to a societal hierarchy that values mental labor over manual labor.

Emotional labor is the management of one's emotions to fulfill the emotional requirements of a job, such as in customer service, nursing, and teaching. It involves regulating emotions, expressing empathy, and maintaining a positive demeanor, often at the expense of personal well-being. Understanding emotional labor adds to the work system by highlighting the emotional demands placed on workers, particularly in service-oriented industries. It also sheds light on the impact of emotional labor on mental health and job satisfaction, and the need for better support and recognition of this type of labor within the workforce. Overall, emotional labor contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the complexities and challenges within the work system.