The Political Economy of Work (Routledge Frontiers of Political Economy)

Spencer, David

ISBN 10: 0415588766 / ISBN 13: 9780415588768

Published by Routledge, 2010

About this Item

This book has been read. Bottom corner of front cover creased. However all pages intact with no highlighting or writing contained within. The spine remains undamaged with tight binding and the book is generally in good condition. Fast dispatch within and from the UK. 100% money back guarantee.

Seller Inventory # ABE-1692298753243

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Political Economy of Work (Routledge Frontiers of Political Economy)
• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication Date: 2010
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0415588766
• ISBN 13: 9780415588768
• Binding: Soft cover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Condition: Good

About this title

Synopsis

Against the background of increasing interest in the changing nature and quality of work, The Political Economy of Work offers a new and unique assessment of the theoretical analysis of work. The author challenges some common preconceptions about work and promotes an original approach to the field, contemplating the nature and development of ideas on work and its impact on human well-being drawing on such burgeoning literatures as the 'economics of happiness'.

Spencer approaches the subject through a careful examination of the history of thought on work over the last three hundred years. A key focus is the development of ideas on work in mainstream economics, starting with the mercantilists and the classical economists, and continuing with neoclassical economists (e.g. Jevons, Marshall). The contributions of modern approaches including the new 'information-theoretic' economics and the new 'economics of happiness' are also discussed. The author sees flaws in the depiction of work in mainstream economics and instead draws insight from the writings of critics of the mainstream paradigm, such as the nineteenth century 'utopian' writers (Godwin, Fourier, Carlyle, Ruskin, Morris), Marx, and the old institutional economists (Commons, Veblen). The alternative approach outlined in the book stresses the barriers to rewarding work under capitalism and develops a case for radical change in the organisation of work.

The book cuts across different disciplinary boundaries and is likely to appeal to researchers in a number of different fields, including labour economics, labour history, the sociology of work, industrial relations, and human resource management. It will appeal to all those who wish to promote a more critical understanding of the role that work can and ought to play in society.

About the Author

David A. Spencer is Senior Lecturer in Economics at Leeds University Business School.