英国文化课件5.pptVIP

BritishAmerican CultureFall Semester 2010John lee School of International Business Sichuan International Studies University Unit FiveWork and Pleasure I. Definition of Work and Pleasure 1. Work: It generally refers to regular paid employment. Work is what they do regularly and purposefully whether they enjoy it or not. It is a necessity, perhaps even more important a duty, a good thing itself , since one ought to keep occupied. Work is a serious business, and should not be mixed with play. 2. Leisure: It is not simply free-time, but freely chosen activities that are pursed during non-working time. Leisure is fun, an outlet from work, without serious s purpose except to make work more efficient 3.Relationship between work and pleasure there is a time and place for each, but when it is time for work, leisure and lighter pursuits must be put aside. In order to have leisure one needs the financial security which work provides. Not only are material conditions important, it seems that psychological and cultural factors are also very important. Unemployment is feared and leisure is eagerly sought Leisure is sought and enjoyed and is equated with freedom and the ability to make choices.. II. Work in Britain “It is as if work were seen as a raft on a shark –infested sea: being on the raft means safety and security, being in the sea means disaster: the idea of moving on and off the raft voluntarily has no appeal. There are winners and losers: no intermediate position is possible.” (Colin Gill, a cotemporary sociologist) 1. The Pattern of Employment The total workforce in Britain in June 1991 was 28.3mimllion , of which ·22.2 million were actually in employment. ·3.1 million were self-employed. ·303,000 were in the armed force. ·424,000 were in work-related government training programs. Self-employment 2.Working System and Salary Most people work a five day week and the basic working week is between 25-40 hours . Some people work overtime. Just over half of thos