Work-Related Learning and the Social Sciences

Work-Related Learning and the Social Sciences provides a clear and accessible introduction to the theory and practice of work. Written in a student friendly style, it makes use of the following:

Theoretical Perspectives: The theoretical foundations of identity, power, community, citizenship, experiential learning and a range of employability skills provide frameworks for the chapters.

Key issues: The book addresses such issues as: How are people socialised at work? Why does conflict occur at work? What types of control are exerted at work? What can we learn about our communities from the work we do? How can we develop our employability skills?

Sector examples: Extensive use is made of examples of the working practices of teachers, social workers, police officers, civil servants, third sector workers as well as from people engaged in low skilled work.

The student voice: The student voice draws upon the relationship between their own experiences of work and the key issues covered in the book.

Written as an introductory text for students studying the social sciences, it deals with the ways in which students can appreciate the sociology and politics of work and develop an understanding of their own skills and employability. This book is particularly relevant to students studying work-related learning as part of their social science degrees and to those who wish to enhance their employability and prospects in graduate level employment.

Gary Taylor is principal lecturer in the Department of Psychology, Sociology and Politics at Sheffield Hallam University. He has written a number of books on social and political theory, social policy and on the media.

Liam Mellor currently works at Certara, a private sector consultancy provider specialising in drug discovery and development software. He has degrees from both Sheffield Hallam University (Sociology) and Sheffield University (Political Communication) and has worked on a range of publications.

Richard McCarter is senior lecturer in the Faculty of Development and Society at Sheffield Hallam University, teaching in The Department of Education and also the Department of Psychology, Sociology and Politics. His interest is technology enhanced learning and e-portfolios, but also has a background in educational television.