The Sociology of Work and Leisure

1. The Sociology of Work and Leisure Revision Session

2. Work and leisure are difficult to define� Work: What we do because we have to (usually for money) Leisure: What we choose to do in our free time Non-Work: Activities we do that are neither work nor leisure The problem is what is work for some, might be leisure for others (eg Cooking, Childcare etc)

3. Where do we work? There are two very different economies that exist: The formal economy includes all employment that is legal and taxed. The informal economy has two elements: Hidden economy � this is non-taxed work and sometimes illegal. Domestic/Voluntary (or community) economy � work is done for love or duty and is unpaid.

4. Sectors of work The Primary sector is involved with the collection of raw materials: farming, mining and fishing. The Secondary sector is involved with making things: factories and workshops. The Tertiary or Service sector is concerned with providing a service: eg salespeople, teachers, lawyers, nurses, shop workers, office workers. In recent years mining and manufacture have declined, whilst there has been a huge increase in service sector jobs

5. Changes in work In the Eighteenth and Nineteenth centuries a process of industrialisation took place and Britain became know as �The Workshop of the World� Britain was once important for primary industry: mining, steel and docks. This work has died away and now people are involved in service work: call centres, supermarkets and fast food outlets.

6. Changing Technology As technology has improved, machines have been used more and more in manufacture and industry The machines began to replace the workers and goods were produced quicker and cheaper. As the machines improved mass production became possible � producing large quantities of a product in a factory using assembly lines

7. Assembly Lines

8. Fordism Mass Production and the use of assembly lines led to the division of labour � workers only knew how to do their own particular task, and might not know what was happening in the rest of the factory. This meant that the work was repetitive, and the workers would have no sense of pride in the finished product Traditional skills were lost Also management closely monitored aspects of work

9. Alienation This lead to alienation People do not feel part of the workplace and take no pride in their work. People work for money and not because they take pride in what they do.

10. This has also led to: Deskilling: Deskilling occurs where traditional skills are replaced by jobs that require few skills. Reskilling: Reskilling occurs when workers are retrained in order to acquire new skills in order to use new technology. These jobs are usually well-paid.

11. New Technology Mechanisation consists of replacing workers with machines. This is more common within the manufacturing sector (e.g. car-making). Automation occurs where robots and automated machinery perform work on the production line. Again, this is more common in the manufacturing sector. Computerisation occurs where computers have taken a far greater role in the workplace, such as in the retail sector.

13. Post-Fordism Sociologists claim that most firms adopt a post-Fordist structure. This consists of work that has become less repetitive due to the impact of computerisation. Firms also require a well trained and flexible labour force. The level of choice available to the consumer is greater than that offered by the Fordist method.

14. The workforce has also changed to fit in with the changes in what jobs are available. Workers have been divided into two types Core workers posses the skills and educational qualifications demanded within the UK economy. The position of core workers within a firm is relatively secure, and their level of pay is usually high. The periphery workforce consists of those with few academic qualifications. They are a �buffer� against fluctuations in consumer demand. As such, the employment status of the periphery workforce is usually temporary. The level of pay for those in the periphery workforce is considerably lower than that of core workers.

15. New work patterns Newer work patterns are developing: Women more Flexi-work where people work shifts or choose their time. Short-term so people move from one job to another �McJobs� where people do not make decisions but follow a script: �have a nice day!�

16. More unemployment Unemployed people are likely to be: Unskilled and unqualified Older than average or younger Male Ethnic minority Experiencing depression and ill health

17. The Consequences of Unemployment Individual Loss of Income Loss of Status Loss of self-respect The family Poverty ? Particularly affects children Stress ? Places relationships under strain The community Decline in sense of community ? Decay in buildings and local services ? Closure of local shops/businesses ? People leaving the area Scape-goating and Racism Higher levels of crime and anti-social behaviour Society Lower tax revenues and increased spending on social security ? reduction in government spending in other areas ? decline in NHS, social services, police etc. Decline in position of workers Formation of an underclass Increase in crime Increase in social problems

18. Gender Women are often: Low paid Part time Doing two jobs Working in female type services: caring, cooking and cleaning The Glass Ceiling is still a problem Men are often: Higher paid Full time or not working at all Working in male jobs: heavy work, construction and machinery

19. The Glass Ceiling Doesn�t just affect women Ethnic minorities are affected by this too, also due to discrimination