The Sociology of Work

This leading, authoritative textbook has been carefully andsubstantially revised to provide the indispensable foundationalresource for the sociology of work. The fourth edition has beentransformed to combine unrivalled explanations of classic theorieswith the most cutting-edge research, data and debates.

Keith Grint and Darren Nixon examine different sociologicalapproaches to work, emphasizing the links between social processes,institutions of employment and their social and domestic contexts.The fourth edition includes: * A new chapter on work and identity, exploring issues such asthe rise of consumption, work life balance, the social meaning ofwork and unemployment; * A fully rewritten chapter on trends in the contemporary serviceeconomy, examining emotional and aesthetic labour, the knowledgeand cultural economy, and the information society; * A new concluding chapter on the future of work, taking inglobalization, precarious labour, public sector reforms andunemployment in the wake of the financial crisis, and campaignsaround 'bad work'; * Updated literature and data throughout, with particularlysignificant updates to the sections on gender and work, and worktechnologies.

The book has been designed to support readers'understanding and to develop their critical approach to the field,with a range of empirical evidence and examples helping to revealthe complex picture of work/society relations. Written in a livelyand accessible style, the book also provides suggestions forfurther reading and seminar discussion questions.

This fourth edition will continue to be essential reading forstudents of the sociology of work, industrial sociology,organizational behaviour and industrial relations. Studentsstudying business and management courses with a sociologicalcomponent will also find the book invaluable.