A、The work itself is the highest value. B、The work itself is not as important as other things. C、Sometimes work is more importan

(23) Sex influences an individual’s attitude towards work. Studies show that for most women family comes first, and careers are less important to them compared with men. But women are, more than men, concerned with social relationships in the workplace, physical conditions of work, shorter working hours and work guarantees. These attitudes are related to traditional social roles, where professional work belongs to the man, as the main source of income for the family, and the woman stays at home. (24) The results of studies in Eastern Europe show that when there are not enough jobs, society thinks that men have more right to them than women. But, generally, the higher the professional qualification of workers of both sexes, the more insignificant are those differences in their attitudes towards work.
(23) In industrial countries the value of work to the individual is influenced by the occupational group to which that person belongs. We can divide workers into two broad groups: non-manual workers with higher education, and manual workers. The attitudes of these two groups are so-called “ideal” types.
For those doing non-manual work, which requires special training, the work itself is the highest value; it becomes their “way of living”. Even the time and way of their leisure is adapted to their work. For such people the main value of work is in possibilities of self-expression, self-realization and personal development. Work for them has social value as well — it is seen as work for the common good and social progress, duty, for human kind, and so on.
People doing manual work are rarely oriented to work itself. Their interests and desires are mainly directed to their family and circle of friends.
Work for them is the possibility to maintain family, which is why insurance of their work, payment, work conditions are very important for them. Work is important as it fills their time, is the source of money, gives possibility for social integration and develops feeling of self-esteem.
Questions 23 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.
23. What factors shape attitudes towards work?
24. Where were the studies showing that society thought men had more right to a job carried out?
25. What is the highest value for people doing non-manual work?