ABSTRACT
Work has a key role in social life, not only as the primary source of inI come, but also as an arena of social participation, as a base for social staI tus, consumption, health, and family life. Work is in many complex ways connected with the development of adolescents, their future plans concernI ing education, occupational activity, family life, and experiences of coping with their own life. Values in general, and work values in particular, have received increased attention during the last few decades. Societal changes are altering the meaning of work and its position in the life-structure of people. This article will examine which aspects of work are valued by adolescents aged 14 to 16 in Joensuu, in eastern Finland, and PetrozaI vodsk, in northwestern Russia. As described earlier (see Chapter 1) the labour market and employment have changed dramatically in Russia and in Finland as well. In Russia the most fundamental change is the move from a socialist economy towards free markets of labour. Structural changes have hit young people hard. They face economic, social, and cultural change on the arenas of education, work and consumption.
