An Introduction to the Sociology of Work and Occupations

"Among those who teach the Sociology of Work and Occupations, it is no secret that few textbooks or edited collections of readings appear to be specifically written for such courses. Rudi Volti helps fill that void with an accessible paperback textbook that is about half the length (and price) of many comprehensive textbooks in a variety of fields within sociology. -TEACHING SOCIOLOGY

"In this gem of a work, the author lodges the development of work and occupations in framework of changes in values and the historical climates embracing those values over time." -CHOICE

Providing crucial insights into the evolution of life and work

Connecting 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 – An Introduction to the Sociology of Work and Occupations: Continuity and Change in the 21^st Century introduces students to highly relevant analyses of today’s industrial and post-industrial society. Succinct yet comprehensive, this text provides useful analysis of a broad range of topics, covering the changes in the world of work from hunting and gathering to today's Information Age. Featuring a broad range of topics, this unique text provides crucial insight into how life and work are evolving in the 21^st century.

Key Features

• Provides relevant coverage of economic, technological, and social history so students thoroughly understand how the world of work has evolved over time
• Vividly illustrates how differing segments of society have been affected by profound changes in work and its social environment
• Each of 14 chapters focuses on a core aspect of work and occupations 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
• End-of-chapter questions promote classroom debate and reflection on issues of interest to students and their lives

Instructor Resources on CD are available to qualified instructors. Please contact info@sagepub.com or 1-800-818-7243 (6 am - 5 pm, PT) to request a copy.

Intended Audience

This text is valuable for upper-level undergraduate courses such as Sociology of Work and related courses in departments of sociology, organizational behavior, economics, human resource management, and organizational studies.

Rudi Volti is Emeritus Professor Sociology at Pitzer College, where he taught courses on the sociology of work and occupations, economic sociology, technology and society, and complex organizations. He currently serves as book review editor for Transfers: The Journal of Interdisciplinary Mobility Studies.