Description
Book Synopsis
From Research and Reference Book News. . .
'In the new introduction to the award-winning 1999 edition, a Canadian scholar notes that while research on underemployment has increased since then, preoccupation with statistics still emphasizes limited dimensions of the problem of under-utilization of capabilities. Drawing on survey and case study research in advanced economies, Livingstone (U. of Toronto) analyzes various theories (e.g., human capital) as limited in explaining the education-jobs gap. He does support a general conflict theory identifying the highest underemployment with the least powerful social groups.'
Trade Review
'A rigorous, beautifully crafted, and stunningly successful shredding of the human capital enterprise. This splendidly executed investigation offers us a timely picture of human capital theory as the social sciences own Titanic.' (Ivar Berg, University of Pennsylvania)
'One of the most important books of the decade. This book breathes new life into the much overlooked relationship between education and economic reform.' (Henry A. Giroux, Pennsylvania State University)
'Livingstone's book is an incisive critique of economic and educational orthodoxy, and a powerful new analysis of the connections among school, learning, and work. An important new study by one of the best educational sociologists in the world.' (R. W. Connell, University of Sydney)
'In contrast to the dismal future of continuing and growing underemployment promised by the dominant social policy elite, the author offers a refreshing alternative of economic democracy that is economically viable, socially just, and politically worth struggling for.' (Raj Pannu, University of Alberta)
'A superb book notable for its effective synthesis of quantitative, qualitative, historical, and theoretical approaches. Livingstone explores an issue of vital importance: the growing disjunction between education and paid work in advanced industrial economies.' (Beverley H. Burris, University of New Mexico)
Table of Contents
Introduction: Mapping the Forest of Underemployment
Introduction to the 1999 Edition: Reversing the Education-Jobs Optic
Chapter 1. The Knowledge Society: Pyramids and Icebergs of Learning
Chapter 2. The Many Faces of Underemployment
Chapter 3. Voices from the Gap: Underemployment and Lifelong Learning
Chapter 4. Debunking the "Knowledge Economy": The Limits of Capital Theory
Chapter 5. Examining the Gap: Social Struggles over Knowledge and Work
Chapter 6. Bridging the Gap: Prospects for Work Reorganization in Advanced Capitalism
Chapter 7.
Endnotes
Glossary of Acronyms
Bibliography
Index
