How do you define 'work' in sociology?

Answer 1

Work is any structured human activity that fulfills a particular purpose. It is often compulsory and is driven by the satisfaction of a particular need or want. It is often viewed in light of fulfilling man's material needs such as food, clothing, and shelter. Work includes a broad spectrum of human activities from manual labor such as hunting and gathering, agriculture, and construction to intellectual pursuits such as education, science, and art. Most often it is viewed in the context of economics involving the exchange of energy and time in return for monetary remuneration such as wages, salaries, and profits. Wages are usually earned by those engaged in manual or physical work. Salaries are usually earned by those engaged in sedentary occupations in a professional or office setting. And profits are earned by those engaged in commercial activity involving the exchange of commodities.

Answer 2

In sociology, 'work' refers to activities that individuals engage in to produce goods or services, and that contribute to the functioning of society. It includes both paid employment and unpaid labor, such as caregiving or household tasks. Work is a central aspect of social life and plays a key role in shaping individual identities, social hierarchies, and divisions of labor.