sociology of work

the sociological analysis of work and its organization, including unpaid as well as paid labour. The general subject matter is analysed within its wider social, comparative context, in particular its interrelations with social, economic and political institutions. GENDER, ETHNICITY and SOCIAL CLASS are central subjects (Grint, 1998). Work ideologies have also been a principle concern in relation to occupational specialization (e.g. professionalism). The central unifying theme is the DIVISION OF LABOUR. The sub-discipline has also been the focus for debates concerning LABOUR PROCESS theory, NEW TECHNOLOGIES and LABOUR MARKET analysis within sociology

The term 'sociology of work’ became the generally accepted term for this sub-discipline partly as a consequence of the influence of the Open University course People and Organizations (cf. Esland and Salaman, 1975). This development was a reaction to the limitations sociologists found with INDUSTRIAL SOCIOLOGY, in particular, the preoccupation with manufacturing industry within industrial societies in consequence limiting industrial sociologists’ ability to fully analyse many aspects of work. Examples of these, now studied in the 'sociology of work’, include the dynamics of work relations and ideologies in relation to gender and race, the organization of domestic labour within society (see SEXUAL DIVISION OF LABOUR), and the effects of underemployment and unemployment. See also EMPLOYMENT, ORGANIZATIONAL THEORY.

Collins Dictionary of Sociology, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2000

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References in periodicals archive

Work's Intimacy makes a fascinating and important contribution to cultural studies and the sociology of work and everyday life.

Gregg, Melissa, Work's Intimacy

The article has had a tremendous influence on SWOP's (Sociology of Work Project in Sociology at the University of the Witwatersrand) mining research projects particularly in areas of work restructuring, migrancy and occupational health and safety (see Benya 2009, Bezuidenhout 1999a, 1999b, Bezuidenhout and Kenny 1997, Bezuidenhout and Buhlungu 2006, 2010, Buhlungu and Bezuidenhout 2008, Leger 1992, Moodie 1994, Ngonini 2002, 2007, Phakathi 2002, 2010, Seidman 1993, 1997, Steinberg and Seidman 1995, Sikakane 2003, Webster and Leger 1992, Webster and Omar 2003, Webster and Von Holdt 2005).

Gold mining today

She has taught courses on "Youth and Society," "Sociology of Work," "Race and Ethnic Relations," "Family," "Sociology of Gender," "Elements of Sociological Theory," "Social Movements," "Social Policy," and most recently, her newly designed course, "Food and Society."

Editors' note: teaching transformations 2010

Oswald Hall and the sociology of work. (The sociology of work in Canada): xix.

Oswald Hall, PhD: Pioneer Canadian Sociologist; 1924-1976

I would recommend the book to students of public policy, sociology of work, economics, and social-service administration.

Stoker, Robert, and Wilson, Laura, When Work Is Not Enough: State and Federal Policies to Support Needy Workers

Redundancy and paternalist capitalism: A study in the sociology of work. London: Allen & Unwin.

The history of occupational psychology: a view from industrial relations

Written in the tradition of Goffman's organizational theory, and especially of his conceptualization of the total institution, Britton's At Work in the Iron Cage is a major contribution to the sociology of work as well as to correctional literature.

Dana M. Britton, At Work in the Iron Cage: the Prison as Gendered Organization

Concentrating mostly on France, this paper considers the changing interests and the renewal of academic alliances in the sociology of work and labor over the last 50 years.

French sociology of work and labor: from shop floor to labor markets to networked careers. (Essai)

Although the sociology of work and organisations is perhaps no longer so central to sociology as a discipline, it is undeniable that changes in the way Australians work are key factors in social and political change as we move into the new millennium.

EMPLOYER ASSOCIATIONS AND INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS CHANGE: CATALYSTS OR CAPTIVES?

Furthermore, incorporating the interdependent work patterns of multiple individuals and the larger social and temporal contexts lays the foundation for a sociology of work time, which moves the study of time use beyond the individual level to the level of the collective.

The time famine: toward a sociology of work time

The Realities of Work offers a skillful survey of key debates in the sociology of work. Like any textbook, it is selective in coverage.

The Realities of Work

In addition students in courses dealing with human resources management, organizational behaviour, sociology of work, labour relations, women's studies, race relations, human rights law, social policy, or public administration might find this book relevant to their concerns.

Employment Equity