Abstract (EN)

Considers the role of work in society, tracing the historical process by which it dominates individual and social time and space and examines how the concept of work has developed since the eighteenth century. Looks at how work has formed the basis of the social contract, and that having work is seen as the primary condition for belonging to society. Debates whether work is an appropriate vehicle for personal fulfilment or primarily the means to an end, and that if remuneration was removed whether fulfilment would continue to depend exclusively on work. Addresses the economic view that increasing production is good in itself in meeting unsatisfied needs, arguing that growth indicators and welfare indicators become confused and inappropriately combined; comments on the beliefs of a number of economists such as Smith, Marx and Hegel. Concludes with a discussion centred around the notion of a fully active society by which everyone should have access to political, productive and cultural activities in addition to private activities involving friendship, family and emotional ties and the concept of full employment.