In this course, you are introduced in detail to the concept of work, with our main focus upon paid work within the employment relationship.
In Section 1, we look at the meaning of work, both historically, when we revisit the ideas of Weber and Marx, and within contemporary British society. We then go on to look at how jobs and occupations are categorised, the characteristics of the labour market and the role of women workers within it.
In Section 2, we deal with how jobs and occupations are arranged and structured within British society, both vertically, or hierarchically, and horizontally. We also look at how people can progress in their jobs and careers, and why some people move downwards. We also examine the labour market and its characteristics, particularly in relation to part-time workers and women workers.
In Section 3, we examine the meanings given to work by workers themselves, and the concept of "work orientations" is introduced. This is followed, in Section 4, by an analysis of the emerging "information economy" and the impact of new technologies upon work and organisations.
Finally, we deal with trends and prospects concerning unemployment, the service sector of the economy, working time and work outside employment.
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
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define work and differentiate between intrinsic and extrinsic rewards.
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indicate how the meaning of work and human attitudes towards it are affected by cultural and social factors and give some historical examples.
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explain how Weber's protestant work ethic and Marx's concept of alienation are relevant to modern attitudes to work and have meaning for the individual.
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describe in basic terms some models used to describe the structure of work and list the groups or categories identified in the hierarchical occupational model.
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explain through examples the concept of occupational mobility and some of the factors that may affect this.
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examine two significant features of the labour market, the dual labour market and the sexual division of labour, and discuss the reasons put forward to explain them.
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list some broad occupational groups into which work has been dividedand give examples of how the market power and status of occupational groups may change as society changes.
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define the concept of "work orientation" and critically discuss some important studies of it.
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illustrate how work orientation is a dynamic rather than a static quality and identify some of the influences inside and outside work that may determine how people give meaning to their work.
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describe some current changes in UK work and job patterns and in the economy, and identify social and economic factors influencing their development.
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describe a range of developments in information technology and explain their importance in relation to global competitive and economic developments.
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discuss the impact of new technologies on work, particularly in relation to flexibility, work design, and organisational structure and employment patterns.
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identify some of the changing patterns of work, employment and unemployment and discuss in an informed way possible future trends.
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Introduction
Objectives
Section 1: Work, Meaning and Culture
Culture and work
Section 2: Occupations and the Structure of Work
Occupational structure
Work and occupations
Types of work: labour market segmentation
Women?s employment
Section 3: Work Orientations and Meaning
Orientations to work: Goldthorpe et al
Subsequent research on orientations to work
Section 4: Changing Work Arrangements
Setting the scene
The informal economy
The changing economy
Economic circumstances and information technologies
Impact of new technologies upon work
Section 5: Changes in Work, Employment and Unemployment
Unemployment
The service sector
Working time and work outside employment
Summary
Tutor-marked Question Paper |
| In order to offer our students the most convenient and flexible distance learning courses, Stonebridge Associated College offers you the option to study for your course via two methods:
- 1. Via the traditional paper-based method.
- 2. Through the online method via ElearnUK.
When you study through ElearnUK you can quickly access your course material online and submit all of your question papers to your tutor online, using your unique student account. You have access to all of your course material immediately, and when you submit question papers, your tutor sends you an email containing your results and feedback. |
With this course you will have unlimited access to your own personal tutor who specialises in their field of study. It is your personal tutor's role to ensure that you receive constructive feedback and to deal with any queries you may have. You are more than welcome to telephone, fax or email your personal tutor.
You will also have access to a dedicated and friendly
team of administrators and course advisors who offer
sound and professional guidance and advice when you
need it. This ensures that you will never feel
neglected and that you will always succeed! |
