The New Social Economy: Reworking the Division of Labor [Paperback]

Andrew Sayer (Author), Richard Walker (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 155786280X | ISBN-13: 978-1557862808 | Publication Date: August 4, 1992 | Edition: 1

As capitalism develops and state socialism disintegrates, divisions of labor are being reorganized, with major implications for the distribution of power in society. Yet the concept of division of labor has been one of the most neglected in contemporary political economy and social theory. Compared to class, gender or markets, it has typically been treated as a rather indifferent concept, part of the backdrop rather than one of the key forces of the economy and society.

Dealing with the reworking of the division of labor in both practice and theory, and transcending the narrow boundaries of academic disciplines, the authors provide a new perspective on some of the most hotly debated issues in social science.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A major work of geographic and social theory. This book is must reading for geographers, regional scientists, urban planners and all those concerned with the technological, organizational, economic, and geographic dimensions of technologically advanced societies." Professional Geographer

"An exhaustive and thoughtful approach to the theoretical dilemmas facing the field of political economy today." American Journal of Sociology

"The scope, approach and depth in this book make it essential to teachers, researchers, and advanced students in political economy, industrial sociology, economics, economic geography, industrial relations and human resource management." Labour and Industry

From the Back Cover

As capitalism develops and state socialism disintegrates, divisions of labor are being reorganized, with major implications for the distribution of power in society. Yet the concept of division of labor has been one of the most neglected in contemporary political economy and social theory. Compared to class, gender or markets, it has typically been treated as a rather indifferent concept, part of the backdrop rather than one of the key forces of the economy and society.

Dealing with the reworking of the division of labor in both practice and theory, and transcending the narrow boundaries of academic disciplines, the authors provide a new perspective on some of the most hotly debated issues in social science.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell; 1 edition (August 4, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 155786280X
• ISBN-13: 978-1557862808
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,572,944 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Who does what and why?, August 17, 2000

By 

Fredrik Augustsson (Sweden) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The New Social Economy: Reworking the Division of Labor (Paperback)

In this book Andrew Sayer and Richard Walker takes a fresh and critical look on the claims of a new economy and working life in contemporary society by returning to, and modifying, one of the classical concepts of social science: The division of Labour. The book contains a thorough discussion on what is actually meant with the concept division of labour, and why it is more suitable than other structural phenomenons to explain changes in working life. Apart from this, the authors discuss such topics as if we are really moving into a 'service economy' and the problems of defining what is a service and what is not. Andrew Sayer's style of writing, a critical analysis of the basic assumptions underlying commonly used concepts and arguments in social science (no doubt a herritage from his realist approach), is recognizable from his earlier writings on method (Method in Social Science-A realist Approach, Routledge). Even if you do not agree with everything Sayer and Walker writes, and the conclusions they draw from it, the book no doubt forces you to revaluate your thoughts about working life and the assumptions they lead to. And I guess that is more than you can say about most books these days...