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
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.