Abstract
The centrality of work in the process of youth identity construction: a psychosocial approach. The main goal of this research is de analysis of the centrality of work in the youth and its influence in the process of construction of their identity. From this general aim three phenomena (youth, work and identity) are approached in a critical and systematic way in the first part of the paper. Following the theoretical articulation of those concepts, and with the use of qualitative methodology (discussion groups, participant observation, in depth interviews with experts and with young people), an analysis of the conceptions, values and meanings that differents groups of young people have about work was carried out. Then, the study of how these conceptions influence the process of identity is examined. This process is decisive and of fundamental importance in this stage of the life-cycle. The research is realized with a discoursive focus and from a psychosocial approach.
