SOCI8011 Sociology of Work

2016

4.5

1 x 2-hour lecture weekly

SOCI2012 has been successfully completed

Graduate Diploma in Sociology

We are constantly told that the world of work is changing. What is interesting is that these changes are often contradictory: work is more precarious, but we are required to invest more of 'ourselves' into it; it is more flexible, but gaining a work-life balance is ever more difficult. At the heart of these changes are questions such as: What is work? What influences these changes? How do they affect our opportunities for 'doing' work? and What does this mean for how we construct our 'work identity'?

In considering these questions students will be examining various forms of work (e.g. volunteer work, sex work, service work, deviant work) and the concepts and mechanisms relating to work from the perspective of the worker and their experience of work.

The Sociology of Work has five aims:

• To introduce sociological concepts and theories associated with work, the workplace and work identities
• To focus on issues surrounding work, the workplace and work identities as a means of exploring:
  • Different forms of work
  • Embodiment and emotions in the relationship between work and identity
  • Organisational cultures

• To encourage active reflection on your (current or prospective) work, workplace and work identity
• To provide opportunities for the further development of skills, such as:
  • Critical analysis
  • Constructing a logical argument
  • Referencing
  • Self-directed and independent learning

• To encourage constructive and informed participation in seminars

On completion of The Sociology of Work you will have demonstrated your ability to:

• Critically analyse the relationship between work and work identities
• Understand the key concepts, structures and mechanisms used in the construction of work
• Understand how sociological perspectives are applicable to work
• Work independently
• Work in a team
• Apply skills relating to the construction, research, and writing of an analytical essay
• Participate in an informed and constructive manner in intellectual discussions