The Struggle Over Work: The 'End of Work' and Employment Alternatives in Post-Industrial Societies

Since the 1980s, there have been repeated warnings that advanced societies face the "end of work"--declining job numbers, reducing importance of work to peoples lives, and the ability of labor movements to remain a force in the workplace and in politics. This book challenges this described scenario. The Struggle Over Worklooks first at the theoretical origins and contemporary versions of the "end of work" scenario before progressing to a staggering critique of the leading thinkers behind this concept such as Claus Offe, Alain Touraine and Jurgen Habermas. Wilson provides alternative scenarios that are more realistic such as the current US model and the socio-democratic policies of full employment. Challenging the pervasive pessimism about work, this book will interest students and academics with an interest in labor economics, the sociology and politics of employment as well a public policy theorist involved with the work-related arena.

Shaun Wilson is Research Fellow in the Research School of Social Sciences at the Australian National University.