Work, qualification and professional skill - political and conceptual dimensions

In this article we analyse the notions of qualification and skill, showing these are concepts which vary according to theoretical and methodological approaches and are not to be taken for the notion of performance. These concepts envolve non-universal individual and social characteristies and demand empirical research. We defend the need for new studies adapting historical, critical and multidiciplinary approaches to investigate skills and habilities of workers in their real life and work situations.