Arbeidsethos in Vlaanderen: een exploratie van de morele inbedding van arbeid op basis van het APS-survey van 1998

Abstract

This exploratory study examines three issues: the occurrence of the work ethic in Flanders (Belgium), background characteristics associated with the work ethic, and the association of the work ethic with other attitudes and with cultural conservatism. A new measure of the work ethic was introduced, based on the work of Jahoda. Data of a representative sample of Flemish respondents in 1998 were analysed. The results show that about half of the respondents endorse our measurement of the work ethic. Higher scores were found among older but also among younger respondents, blue-collar workers and self-employed, men and low skilled individuals. Religion showed no association with the work ethic. Our measurement of the work ethic was part of a broader dimension of cultural conservatism, as expected. The future of the work ethic was discussed on the basis of our results