Sociology of Work

This course introduces students to the sociology and political economics of work, workers, and worker organizations. It begins with an exploration of the meaning of work, an examination of the organization and control of the labor process, and a survey of the changes in the composition of the labor force over the last century. It then explores some of the challenges facing workers at the beginning of the 21st century, including the emergence of new forms of employment; increased gender, ethnic, and racial diversity in the labor force; the impact of technology; developments in labor management; and the emergence of a global economy.