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An Introduction to the Sociology of Work and Occupations
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An Introduction to the Sociology of Work and Occupations

Second Edition
October 2011 | 320 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc
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The Sociology of Work and Occupations, Second Edition connects work and occupations to the key subjects of sociological inquiry: social and technological change, race, ethnicity, gender, social class, education, social networks, and modes of organization. In 15 chapters, Rudi Volti succinctly but comprehensively covers the changes in the world of work, encompassing everything from gathering and hunting to working in today's Information Age. This book introduces students to a highly relevant analysis of society today. In this new and updated edition, globalization and technology are each given their own chapter and discussed in great depth.
 
Introduction
 
Acknowledgments
 
About the Author
 
1 Work before Industrialization
 
2 The Organization of Work in Preindustrial Times
 
3 Industrialization and Its Consequences
 
4 Bureaucratic Organization
 
5 Technology and Work
 
6 Globalization
 
7 Getting a Job
 
8 Workplace Culture and Socialization
 
9 Professions and Professionalization
 
10 Who Gets What?
 
11 Work and Its Rewards
 
12 The Perils and Pressures of Work
 
13 Diversity in the Workplace
 
14 Work Roles and Life Roles
 
15 Conclusion
 
Glossary
 
Index

“The discussion of jobs, human capital, and credentials is practical and engaging!”

 

Deborah Barnes-Drummond
Barry University

“The book's strengths are the depth of historical analysis punctuated by statistics and relevant references, its nice, easy-to-read flow, and its subtle sense of humor. Volti's book covers all the important aspects of work.”

 

Elena Gabor
Bradley University

“I really appreciate the fact that Volti's text is well-written and very accessible to undergraduate students.”

 

Judi Kessler
Monmouth College

"In 15 chapters, Rudi Volti, succinctly but comprehensively covers the changes in the world of work, encompassing everything from gathering and hunting to working in today's Information Age."

SirReadaLot.org
SirReadaLot.org
SirReadaLot.org

Enjoyed text with test bank and PowerPoint presentations.

Mr Paul OBrien
Sociology, California State University, Stanislaus
January 8, 2015
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This is a good introduction to the study of sociology of work and occupations. The text is good for both lecturer and students.

Miss Sharron Stillyards
health and social care, northlindsey college
December 15, 2014
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Particularly like the section for discussion at the end of each chapter to promote debate and reflection. Like the historical coverage and excellent text.

Miss Christine Dean
Business & Professional Studies, St.Helens College
August 26, 2014
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Good overall review of many debates in the sociology of work

Mr Christopher Elliott
Sociology Dept, Univ Of N Carolina-Chapel Hill
March 10, 2014
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An accessible yet rigorous text which provides a useful introduction to debates.

Dr Vaughan Ellis
Management , Edinburgh Napier University
April 4, 2013
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I have put this book as part of my recommendations for doctoral candidates coming to the work based learning programme as important background reading.

Dr Mehmet Ali Dikerdem
Interdiscipline , Middlesex University
October 19, 2012
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Key features

New To This Edition

  • Increase in historical coverage with heavy emphasis on current trends
  • Incorporation of new figures, tables, and statistical data
  • Seperation and expansion of chapters on globalization and technology to provide further detail on two of the most important forces shaping work and occupations today
  • Expansion of coverage of unionization, worker satisfaction and dissatisfaction, and the ongoing significance of race, ethnicity, and gender as it relates to work to keep students informed of the most current topics and trends

Key Features

  • Provides relevant coverage of economic, technological, and social history so that students thoroughly understand how work and occupations has evolved over time
  • Vividly illustrates how different segments of society have been affected by profound changes in work and its social environment
  • Focuses on a core aspect of work and occupations in each chapter, and connects it to key sociological themes, topics, and issues
  • Weaves discussions of globalization and technological change and their relationship to work throughout the text, beginning with the opening pages
  • Provides end-of-chapter questions that promote classroom debate and reflection on important issues facing today's students and workers