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“And then you work. Work, work, work.” – A qualitative study of the various motivations for full-time work.

Lidmark, Hugo LU (2021) SOCM04 20211
Sociology
Department of Sociology
Abstract
The current study aims to gain a deeper understanding of the various motivations for full-time work. Based on a set of semi-structured interviews (n=10) with working parents, it investigates the interaction between individual motivations and external factors, intentions and constraints
and how it shapes work time preferences. The respondent's experiences and individual motives are used to examine motivations for full-time work and to identify some of the components of today's work ethic. The concept conduct of life constitutes a conceptual framework for the study, and the theoretical contributions are inspired by it: Weber; Sennett; Boltanski &
Chiapello. Results are presented under three themes: Motivation, social values and structural... (More)
The current study aims to gain a deeper understanding of the various motivations for full-time work. Based on a set of semi-structured interviews (n=10) with working parents, it investigates the interaction between individual motivations and external factors, intentions and constraints
and how it shapes work time preferences. The respondent's experiences and individual motives are used to examine motivations for full-time work and to identify some of the components of today's work ethic. The concept conduct of life constitutes a conceptual framework for the study, and the theoretical contributions are inspired by it: Weber; Sennett; Boltanski &
Chiapello. Results are presented under three themes: Motivation, social values and structural circumstances. The results show how motivation for work is composed of an interplay of constraints and intentions and characterised by ambiguity. On the one hand, the social utility of
the job and a flexible work schedule was two significant motivations for full-time. On the other hand, a perceived absence of alternatives and internalised productivity demands constituted a negative motivation. It is argued that demands for flexibility and authenticity influence today´s
work ethic and that a strong ethic has the potential to suppress dreams and desires. The concluding discussion addresses the ambiguity identified in the results, and how conflicting interests and responsibilities were handled. A discussion on the concept conduct of life concludes the thesis. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Lidmark, Hugo LU
supervisor
organization
course
SOCM04 20211
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
Work, motivation, full-time work, conduct of life, work ethic.
language
English
id
9066124
date added to LUP
2021-09-28 10:46:11
date last changed
2021-09-28 10:46:11
@misc{9066124,
  abstract     = {{The current study aims to gain a deeper understanding of the various motivations for full-time work. Based on a set of semi-structured interviews (n=10) with working parents, it investigates the interaction between individual motivations and external factors, intentions and constraints
and how it shapes work time preferences. The respondent's experiences and individual motives are used to examine motivations for full-time work and to identify some of the components of today's work ethic. The concept conduct of life constitutes a conceptual framework for the study, and the theoretical contributions are inspired by it: Weber; Sennett; Boltanski &
Chiapello. Results are presented under three themes: Motivation, social values and structural circumstances. The results show how motivation for work is composed of an interplay of constraints and intentions and characterised by ambiguity. On the one hand, the social utility of
the job and a flexible work schedule was two significant motivations for full-time. On the other hand, a perceived absence of alternatives and internalised productivity demands constituted a negative motivation. It is argued that demands for flexibility and authenticity influence today´s
work ethic and that a strong ethic has the potential to suppress dreams and desires. The concluding discussion addresses the ambiguity identified in the results, and how conflicting interests and responsibilities were handled. A discussion on the concept conduct of life concludes the thesis.}},
  author       = {{Lidmark, Hugo}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{“And then you work. Work, work, work.” – A qualitative study of the various motivations for full-time work.}},
  year         = {{2021}},
}