Policy Press

The Sociology of Contemporary Work

What It Is, and Why We Need It

By Marek Korczynski

Published

Sep 3, 2024

Page count

232 pages

ISBN

978-1529229134

Dimensions

244 x 170 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Sep 3, 2024

Page count

232 pages

ISBN

978-1529229127

Dimensions

244 x 170 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Sep 3, 2024

Page count

232 pages

ISBN

978-1529229141

Dimensions

240 x 172 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Sep 3, 2024

Page count

232 pages

ISBN

978-1529229141

Dimensions

240 x 172 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press
The Sociology of Contemporary Work

This book injects a burst of energy into the sociology of work, offering a perspective that is both innovative and deeply informed.

Leading sociology of work scholar, Marek Korczynski, praises the discipline’s comprehensive approach to theory, its focus on uncovering power dynamics and its ability to reveal how social injustices often stem from workplace inequalities. Offering an accessible overview of the field, the book:

· analyses both the social structures around work and the voice and agency of workers;

· examines the role and impact of artificial intelligence at work; · provides a consistent thread on gig work, service work and knowledge work;

· has an end-section in each chapter where students are asked to put their sociological imagination to work on relevant topics.

This is an enlightening exploration of sociology of work, and of the evolving world of work itself.

“This book is a perfect introduction. It is short and utterly clear. It elucidates key theories, relates them to three sorts of contemporary work, and synthesises a mass of evidence.” Paul Edwards, Birmingham Business School

“This book is a gem. Carefully crafted by one of Britain’s leading scholars in the field, it offers an extraordinary breadth of scope that illuminates the pain and pleasures that are so deeply intermeshed with the world of work. Bringing sociological imagination to the forefront, each chapter elegantly combines theory and cutting-edge research. Accessible writing and a thoughtful didactic approach throw a welcome light on the sociology of work.” Knut Laaser, University of Stirling

Marek Korczynski is Professor of Sociology of Work at the University of Nottingham. He is Editor-in-Chief of the journal, Work, Employment and Society, 2022-26.

1. For: The Sociology of Contemporary Work

2. Social Theory at Work

3. Structures of Power at Work

4. The Organization of Work

5. The Agency and Voice of Workers (1)

6. The Agency and Voice of Workers (2)

7. Inequalities of Outcome: Income

8. Inequalities of Opportunity

9. (Sociology of) Work in Progress