The Sociology of Work

"Stephen Edgell is to be commended for his ability to provide an overview of how work has been influenced by social structures over time. This book is divided into 10 chapters which cover the complexity of how 'work' in its many forms has been studied and explored, primarily in European and North American contexts. As a survey text of occupations related to work, this is a good starting point for readers interested in obtaining a broad grounding in understanding theoretical perspectives and their application." - Lynn Cockburn, Journal of Occupational Science



Steve Edgell has written an up-to-date, comprehensive guide to the sociology of every type of work: paid and unpaid, standard and non-standard, under- and unemployment. Sweeping in its historical reach and rigorous in its analysis of key issues of work, this book charts the rise of `work' from the first human societies and provides nuanced understanding of the issues at stake in standard, non-standard, unpaid and voluntary work. Drawing on classic and contemporary theorists, the author:





- covers key issues regarding paid work: alienation, post-industrial society, network enterprises in the informational society, flexibility, Fordism, McDonaldization, the destandardization of work and the social impact of unemployment and underemployment;





- discusses key issues regarding non-paid work: domestic work as `work', the impact of technology, the impact of feminism, feminization and globalization;





- offers a historical perspective of work and gender.





'The overall sweep of the book - from pre-capitalist/industrial to post-globalism is attractive and challenging. The extension of the study of work beyond paid office/factory work is to be welcomed. In short this book will make a wise and welcomed addition to the existing range of sociological texts.' - Professor Huw Beynon, Director School of Social Sciences, Cardiff University





'Stephen Edgell's Sociology of Work is a reliable, comprehensive and accessible text. He has taken a number of central themes in this field and engaged with the relevant literature and debates in a thoughtful and authoritative way. The comparative and historical treatment of the topics offers an illuminating perspective on the contemporary world of work. Students will find this book to be an invaluable resource. I predict that their copies will become much thumbed and annotated!' - John Eldridge, Emeritus Professor of Sociology, University of Glasgow.