Introduction

This chapter considers people’s subjective relationships to various aspects of their jobs and to work in general. These relationships are important and can be seen as part of a society’s productive capacities. Insofar as individuals are positive with respect to contributing their energy, skills and effort in the production of goods and services, can expect a large amount of work to be done and to be done efficiently, carefully and responsibly. Modern societies are all work societies in the sense that a great amount of labour is continuously being carried out. Changes in the labour market may impinge on work orientations. In the last decades, the development of technology, globalization, flexibilization and individualization has had a significant impact on working life. Another development is the changing composition of the workforce. The requirements for higher education levels have delayed young people’s entry into the labour market and some categories of the employed postpone retirement.