RETHINKING THE SOCIOLOGY OF WORK, WORKERS AND THE WORKPLACE

Abstract

The sociology of work has long been central to theory and research in industrial relations. Nevertheless, changes in the nature of work and employment relations over the past three decades have created a need to rethink some of the central concepts by which we study work, workers and the workplace. I briefly discuss some of these major changes and then summarise some of the challenges they pose for the sociology of work and industrial relations. These include the need to rethink how we conceptualise employment relations, organisations, worker agency, occupations and space. Meeting these challenges also provides opportunities for sociologists of work to contribute to public policy.