Work Appropriation of Low-Wage Workers in the Service Sector
The Re/Production of Society
Published on 8. March 2024
Book
Hardback
170 pages
978-1-0353-2167-4 (ISBN)
Description
Work Appropriation of Low-Wage Workers in the Service Sector deftly explores how supermarket clerks perceive their work when faced with meagre pay and frequently precarious working conditions. Speaking substantively on current social problems within clerks' livelihoods, this essential book provides a fascinating comparison between German and US-based low-wage worker experiences.
Weaving together significant theoretical analysis and real-world empirical evidence, Antonia Kupfer presents fresh findings based on intricate sociological research. Chapters utilize accounts from supermarket clerks working in a wide variety of positions and stores, from discounters to high-end grocers. Ultimately, they suggest that political frameworks could greatly improve conditions for these workers and raise the level of professionalism within the service sector.
This engaging book will be highly illuminating for sociology scholars and policy makers seeking to understand the lived experiences of low paid workers. It will additionally be of benefit to those studying labor policy, inequality reduction and the sociology of discrimination.
Weaving together significant theoretical analysis and real-world empirical evidence, Antonia Kupfer presents fresh findings based on intricate sociological research. Chapters utilize accounts from supermarket clerks working in a wide variety of positions and stores, from discounters to high-end grocers. Ultimately, they suggest that political frameworks could greatly improve conditions for these workers and raise the level of professionalism within the service sector.
This engaging book will be highly illuminating for sociology scholars and policy makers seeking to understand the lived experiences of low paid workers. It will additionally be of benefit to those studying labor policy, inequality reduction and the sociology of discrimination.
Reviews / Votes
'What is the worth of a supermarket clerk? Antonia Kupfer undertakes to answer this question through interviews with clerks in the U.S. and Germany. Despite being underpaid and devalued, these frontline workers express a robust work ethic in both places. Understanding why and how has powerful implications for how society values work.' -- Chris Tilly, UCLA, USMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
Cheltenham
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 156 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-0353-2167-4 (9781035321674)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Antonia Kupfer, Professor of Macrosociology, Institute of Sociology, Technical University of Dresden, Germany
Content
Contents:
Introduction to Work Appropriation of Low-Wage Workers in the
Service Sector
1 Food retail: outline of an essential sector
2 State of the research: Literature review
3 Conceptualizing work appropriation
4 Methods and sample
5 How the social status of the occupation impacts work
appropriation
6 Modes of use value constituting work appropriation
7 Activity, coming to terms with the job
Conclusion to Work Appropriation of Low-Wage Workers in the
Service Sector
References
Index
Introduction to Work Appropriation of Low-Wage Workers in the
Service Sector
1 Food retail: outline of an essential sector
2 State of the research: Literature review
3 Conceptualizing work appropriation
4 Methods and sample
5 How the social status of the occupation impacts work
appropriation
6 Modes of use value constituting work appropriation
7 Activity, coming to terms with the job
Conclusion to Work Appropriation of Low-Wage Workers in the
Service Sector
References
Index