Hypostases of Rural Labor (Based on Survey in Khakassia)

Abstract

In modern society, the attitude to physical labor is ambiguous: on the one hand, the so-called free labor that is not associated with labor-intensive work is becoming more and more common, and on the other hand, in conditions of an excess of mental labor specialists, the role of manual (including rural) labor professions is increasing. Traditionally, the focus of scientists' attention is the study of labor within the profession, but other aspects of labor remain insufficiently studied. In this regard, the author aims to reveal other aspects of rural labor: domestic, professional, related to work on the farmstead, as well as labor as the meaning of life. The empirical basis was the data of the 2018 sociological survey of the rural population of Khakassia. The results showed that domestic work takes up most of the free time of the villagers, especially those living in unsettled homes. Moreover, the availability of landscaping frees up time not only for leisure, but also for the development of personal economy. The change of traditional rural areas of employment leads to a change in attitudes to professional work. Agricultural workers are not satisfied with their work, as it does not provide a decent standard and quality of life. Employment in budget organizations becomes more preferable. Work as the meaning of life is perceived by a small part of the villagers, but it does not produce active behavioral strategies. A more active part of rural society are residents rooted in the village by virtue of habit and connections with relatives and close people. The results obtained expand the understanding of the institutional changes of the modern village.