Nevertheless, paid work remains of central importance in people's lives, and most employment offers to varying degrees some benefits beyond a wage which contribute to the construction of an adult self. It is possible to develop skills, have a reasonably positive sense of identity, act responsibly and make a contribution to society without paid work. Many women have in the past, and many still do. However, in general, there is a tendency in our society to equate usefulness with productivity, and productivity with paid work, and those who are not seen as productive in these terms are less valued. Independence is an important value in modern Western society.
Most parents encourage independence and look forward to the time when their children are autonomous.
Earning a wage is part of becoming independent, as it allows a greater range of choices and decisions about one's life. While the growth of autonomy and independence is an integral part of becoming adult, so too is interdependence and responsibility for others. Indeed, they are core values in a humane and caring society. Access to employment and a living wage contributes to feelings of self-esteem and a sense of being socially useful. If young people do not have the right of any citizen to be valued and treated with respect, we can hardly be surprised if they fail to value interdependence and responsibility for others, or surprised if they regard others as uncaring.