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In the lectures multiple questions have been stated. This document answers some of them.
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Sociology of work – Answering the lecturequestions
Why a sociology of work?
Our society is centered around work, where work is a means to stay alive. When at work, people interact, these
interactions are what sociologist study (in other words interaction with people is of interest to sociologist).
Why is it important to go back in history?
In order to understand contemporary society it is important to go back in history, to understand how we got
where we are now. Also, the social context is of importance, because otherwise it is impossible to understand
work.
What are the effects of the transition of pre-industrial to an industrial society for the quality of labour?
With the transition of a pre-industrial to an industrial society, standardization took place. Where the scientific
management ideas of Taylor were implemented in order to standardize work. With this a bigger division of
labour occurred, because, by the ideas of Braverman complex tasks were split up in more simple, smaller tasks,
divided over more workers to increase the efficiency. For the workers this meant deskilling, as explained by the
degrading thesis; The dominant trend is a deterioration in the quality of work
What are the effects of the transition of an industrial to a post-industrial society for the quality of labour?
In the post-industrial world even more automatization and mechanization took place, societies advanced
technically. Post industrial societies place strong emphasis on the roles of science and education. With this
upskilling of the workers took place, as theorized by Bell. Technical knowledge is the key organizing future in
post industrial societies, with machines taking over the heavy work, improving the working conditions.
Quality of work depends on
• Providing job security
• Job enrichment
• Career growth plans
• Open communication
• Increased employee participation
• Flexible work timings
• Rewards and recognition
What is the role of the state?
The state regulates and contains organizations with restrictions.
Welfare state: The welfare state provides social security as a buffer for specific categories of citizens. The
welfare state is government protected minimum standards of income, nutrition, health, housing, and education
assured to every citizen as a political right, not as charity.
The goals of a welfare state are: social security, equal opportunities, and social integration.
Definition welfare state: a welfare state is a solidarity-based system of legal entitlements to public benefits for
specific categories of citizens, which is intended to prevent citizens to find themselves in inhumane conditions.
How is work organized?
In the Western countries until 1970/ 1980’s work was organized according to the Fordist work system.
The main characteristics of the Fordist organization are large companies carrying out standardized production for
the mass markets. Work was divided by many functions (Taylorism), with hierarchy and coordination. The aim
was for stability and security.
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