ETHOS OF WORK IN UPPER SILESIA. TRADITION, CURRENT PICTURE AND CHANGES (Etos pracy na Górnym Slasku. Tradycja, wspólczesne oblicze i zmiany)

The article presents the changes that occurred in ethos of work in the area of Upper Silesia. Firstly theoretical frame of ethos of work along with its definition are stated in order to create a basis for the empirical analysis to follow. Secondly, the authoress presents the genesis of a specific Silesian ethos of work and the evolution of this throughout the interwar period continuing throughout the period of real socialism. The analysis of the contemporary ethos of work is based on empirical research conducted by the authoress in 2008 compared with previous research in the area. A group of 16 statements in reference to EVS research formed the basis for this analysis. The results show that work is a very important value for people living in Upper Silesia. Its importance increased particularly for women, who wanted to fulfill themselves through work. The value of work in the eyes of the young generation has also changed - material aspect of work, creativity and self-fulfillment are all held in high esteem. Apart from work, young people also view free-time as very important.