The Interpretation of Nonoccupational Work in Modern Society: A Preliminary Discussion and Typology

This paper is a general and preliminary attempt to deal with the various meanings associated with work in modern society. It is claimed that such an approach requires that sociologists expand their theoretical and empirical concern to include the many nonoccupational forms of work found in social movements and alternative communities. A scheme (based on time and sacred-secular variables) for classifying and studying such forms of work is presented and six examples are discussed. When these alternative forms of work are considered, it becomes apparent that the meaning of modern work is highly variable and problematic. This variation is reflected in the ways in which work is organized and rewarded, and how it is linked to modern technology and the life cycle.