I don't think there's some Machiavellian plot, but I think mechanically, an 8 hour day precludes you from seeking other "full time" work, thus reducing your labor bargaining position, as your first employer has a monopoly on your time.

Remote work (for those that can do it) represents freedom on this matter.

[–] Excrubulent 1 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago)

I think you're right that nobody sat down and planned out this outcome, although the core principle of "starve them of free time that they might use to become independent" is still there with your motivation. Alienation from our own time disempowers us and thus differentially empowers the owner class, and that's always something they will encourage.

And honestly, if you've ever spent time with "entrepreneurial" types, they take glee in how clever they're being, thinking of the many ways they can manipulate people into spending money. They genuinely take pride in getting one over on people, to the point it becomes outright contempt for the percieved stupidity of their customers. I have absolutely no doubt that some version of this conversation about free time has happened in some golf club or boardroom many times. That doesn't mean they made it so, but some of the owner class is aware and happy about this state of affairs.

Also, another thing to think about is POSIWID - the Purpose Of a System Is What It Does. There is no meaning in ascribing intent to a system beyond its function, because intentions don't matter. Systems act regardless. If an outcome occurs - our emiseration - and those in charge do nothing to correct it, then they are implicitly approving of it, so it becomes part of the system's purpose by evolution.