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Sociology of Work: The Motivations of Workers in Non-Governmental Organizations. The Example of the Young Women's Christian Association


Sr No:
Page No: 91-102
Language: English
Authors: Aris Asproulis*
Received: 2025-06-08
Accepted: 2025-06-19
Published Date: 2025-06-23
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Abstract:
The article is a qualitative sociological study that examines the motivations of workers in Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), with a case study of the Young Women's Christian Union (YWCA). The main objective is to understand the factors that lead individuals to choose to work in NGOs, focusing specifically on work meaning and professional experiences. The theoretical framework is based on sociological theories of Weber , Durkheim , Marx and others, which analyze the meaning of work and the construction of professional orientation. The research is based on three semi-structured interviews with women working in the XEN, which offer different experiences and perspectives. Common points are presented such as commitment to social values, ideological position, difficulties in the previous work environment and a sense of satisfaction from working in the XEN. Problems such as bureaucracy, the lack of a clear ideological identity of the organization and the limited degree of organization are also highlighted. The conclusions highlight that work meaning is a dynamic and changing phenomenon, shaped by personal experiences and relationships within the work environment. Also, although NGOs carry elements of both the state and private sectors, they remain attractive to individuals who wish to contribute socially. The study highlights the need for further research with a larger and more diverse sample.
Keywords: Sociology of work, Professional orientation, Meaning of work, NonGovernmental Organizations (NGOs), Third sector, Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA), Volunteering, Bureaucracy, Employee incentives, Qualitative research, Feminism, Ideological identification, Labor control, Human rights, Symbolic interaction.

Journal: IRASS Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies
ISSN(Online): 3049-0073
Publisher: IRASS Publisher
Frequency: Monthly
Language: English

Sociology of Work: The Motivations of Workers in Non-Governmental Organizations. The Example of the Young Women's Christian Association