For Work / Against Work
Debates on the centrality of work

"Worker equality and adult development: the kibbutz as a developmental model"

by Snarey, J; Lydens, L (1990)

Abstract

Adults' social status, particularly their occupations, is a powerful predictor of their level of moral and ego development. This association's inevitability was tested by examining the relationship of personal development with social status among 3 groups of workers. Results showed that kibbutz workers' moral and ego development were not significantly associated with educational, occupational, or social class standing, but that Israeli city and North American workers' moral and ego development were significantly associated with all measures of social status. In further contrast, work complexity was significantly associated with both moral and ego development only for kibbutz workers, suggesting that they engage in jobs that are appropriate to their psychological development without creating social inequality. Implications for developmental theory and workplace research are considered.

Keywords

Social Status, Development, Psychology, Worker Equality, Class, Developmental Theory, Moral Development

Themes

Psychological Centrality of Work

Links to Reference

Citation

Share


How to contribute.