Final answer:
The degree of independence held by a worker is linked to their autonomy, moral development, and financial independence. This includes factors like meaningful participation in decision making, freedom from excessive oversight, and a living wage that allows for a satisfactory personal life.
Step-by-step explanation:
One of the factors considered as the degree of independence held by the worker can be seen through the concept of meaningful work and autonomy. As outlined by Bowie, independence in the workplace fosters rational and moral development, and allows workers to pursue happiness. It implies that a worker has the financial means to live independently and the freedom to make choices in their work. This can involve decision-making processes, freedom from excessive supervision, and feeling integral to the work's outcome, which are key elements that contribute to job satisfaction.
Within this context, principles like a living wage play a crucial role in ensuring that workers are treated with respect and have the independence they need. Moreover, the ability for workers to have meaningful input in their jobs and feel that they contribute to the decision-making process correlates strongly with their satisfaction at work. External factors, such as outsourcing and global labor practices, can complicate the issue of worker independence, as they may not always align with fair treatment and equitable wages.
In summary, a worker's sense of independence is multi-faceted and is tied to both financial stability and the psychological impact of their role within their work environment.