Description
Book SynopsisThe image of a job captures our imagination from an early age, usually prompted by the question ''What do you want to be when you grow up?''. Work -- paid, unpaid, voluntary, or obligatory -- is woven into the fabric of all human societies. For many of us, it becomes part of our identity. For others it is a tedious necessity. Living is problematic without paid work, and for many it is catastrophic. Steve Fineman tells the fascinating story of work - how we strive for security, reward, and often, meaning. Looking at how we classify ''work''; the cultural and social factors that influence the way we work; the ethics of certain types of work; and the factors that will affect the future of work, from globalization to technology, this Very Short Introduction considers work as a concept and as a practical experience, drawing upon ideas from psychology, sociology, management, and social history.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
Trade ReviewSteve Fineman tells the fascinating story of work - how we strive for security, reward, and often, meaning This looks like yet another interesting addition to Oxford's fabulous VSI series * Grrlscientist, the guardian *
This book is a great read and has made me think deeper into the values I associate with work and human value. * Arthur Zetes, tiredoframen.wordpress.com *
Table of ContentsPreface ; 1. Why work? ; 2. A spectrum of jobs ; 3. Working a career ; 4. Men's work, women's work ; 5. Struggling, surviving, thriving ; 6. Emotion at work ; 7. Virtual work ; 8. Changes and transitions ; 9. Where does this leave work? A brief postscript ; References and further reading
