The Sociology of Work: An Introduction

This successful textbook on the sociology of work is now available in a new and updated edition. In addition to the wide range of contemporary and historical material, the second edition now has a number of new sections including a chapter on work in the global context. The empirical material has been extensively revised, making it the most up-to-date introduction to the area currently available. The Sociology of Work examines the nature of work in its more traditional guises as industrial sociology and the labor process, and in the wider context of unpaid labor. The book emphasizes the links between social processes and the institutions of employment and their domestic and social contexts. The significance of race, gender and class is fully explored, as well as changes in organizational structure and the significance of new technology. In addition, the book has been fully redesigned, and contains a number of new student features to interest and guide the reader as well as an attractive and clear lay-out. This book will be indispensable for students and teachers of the sociology of work, industrial sociology, organizational behavior and industrial relations. The third edition of this best-selling textbook has been carefully revised to provide an up-to-date, indispensable introduction to the sociology of work. It not only includes clear explanations of classic theories and evidence, but also covers the most cutting-edge research, data, and debates. In addition to being revised throughout, the book contains substantive new sections on globalisation, including global branding and slave labour, and a new chapter on the myths and realities of modern employment. Chapter-by-chapter, Keith Grint examines different sociological approaches to work, emphasising the links between social processes, the institutions of employment, and their social and domestic contexts. His use of an international range of empirical evidence helps to make his account especially accessible to undergraduate readers. The book has been specially designed to support students’ understanding, and to develop their critical responses to the literature. Written in a lively and accessible style, it provides student-friendly chapter summaries, suggestions for further reading, a glossary and practice essay questions. This third edition will be essential reading for students of the sociology of work, industrial sociology, organisational behaviour and industrial relations. Students studying business and management courses with a sociological component will also find the book invaluable.