Work and its meanings. In the course of European history, work has had a broad range of

connotations. It has been seen as a blessing, a curse, or both. Work has had social meanings and was part of systems of differentiation by class and status. The apotheosis of

work by Enlightenment intellectuals stood in sharp contrast to realities of work as hard labor and toil before and during industrialization. But idleness as an ideal was never strong in Europe. During the 19th century the idea of work was narrowed down to market-related

labor for a living and gains. It may be high time to broaden its definition again.

(Quelle: www.wzb.eu)