Changing Values of Work and Leisure

Abstract

That work is both necessary and desirable, for individuals and for society, is one of the most deeply ingrained beliefs in the value system of Western civilisation (Macarov, 1985). The concept of work is one of the most widely spread and deeply embedded elements in individual psyches, the structure of societal institutions, and the value system of industrial civilisations. It is the measuring rod of individuals, the goal of organisations, and the basis of society. It is almost as encrusted with value-orientations and transcendental meanings as is religion. Work is seen as both necessary and desirable for the individual and for society (Macarov, 1981). Political, social and economic programmes are all based upon the assumption that people need to and want to work, and that society needs all the work that everyone capable of labouring can produce. Work structures the day, the year, and the career. On an individual basis, people are judged not only by the work that they do, but also by the manner in which they work. People who do not or cannot work are viewed as somehow outside the mainstream of life (Ritti & Hyman, 1977). 'A hard worker' is an accolade, while 'he (or she) is lazy' is a damning indictment. Social welfare programmes throughout the world are linked to the realm of work through restrictions on coverage, vestedness, administration, and payments arising from past or present work situations (Macarov, 1980). Rehabilitation efforts-physical, social or emotional-use work as the principal instrument, and holding a job as evidence of success. Prisons use work as punishment, as rehabilitation, and as timefilling devices. Governments expend enormous resources of time, energy, and money in attempting to achieve full employment, and social workers in some areas spend the great bulk of their time dealing with the unemployed and problems which arise from lack of work.