Putting Work in Its Place

Most books on the subject of work focus on the increased amount of time Americans spend on the job. Peter Meiksins and Peter Whalley address the counter-trend, examining the difficult path traversed by people who choose to work less than the standard, forty-hour week. Their fascinating investigation of alternative work arrangements speaks directly to the concerns of all workers who must balance career with other commitments.

Through interviews with technical professionals from a wide range of employment settings, Putting Work in Its Place refutes the popular myth of the customized work schedule as inevitably a "mommy-track" or a return to traditionalism among women. Most of these workers -- male and female, young and old -- remain strongly committed to their jobs, but wish to combine work with other activities they value just as highly. This can mean family for some but for others encompasses community service or various avocations.

By viewing their work arrangements in the longer term, and not as short-term expedients, these professionals are challenging t

Peter Meiskins is Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Sociology at Cleveland State University.

Foreword

ix

Stephen R. Barley

Acknowledgments

xiii

Introduction

1

(4)

Time, Technical Work, and the Pursuit of Happiness

5

(13)

Choosing to Work Less

18

(17)

A Professional and More

35

(22)

``Can You Do That?'' Part-Time Work in Organizations

57

(23)

Going It Alone

80

(30)

``I'm a Mom, Not a Housewife''

110

(23)

``When Are You Coming Back To Work Full-Time?''

133

(19)

Customizing Time: Obstacles and Strategies

152

(23)

Appendix Interview Agenda

175

(2)

References

177

(6)

Index

183

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Putting Work in Its Place

Summary

Author Biography

Table of Contents

Supplemental Materials