An authoritative, engaging and extremely timely collection. From global trends in paid and unpaid employment to the impacts on individuals and communities, the Handbook makes a powerful case for the centrality of work to both society and sociology. Across a range of themes, debates and topics, we are confronted with the social realities of todays working lives and compellingly reminded of the importance of the sociological imagination. -- Alan Irwin The SAGE Handbook of the Sociology of Work and Employment provides a comprehensive introduction to contemporary issues in the sociology of work. Together with leading contributors, editors Edgell, Gottfried, and Granter advance novel and timely sociological understandings of the dynamics behind major trends in paid and unpaid work and employment and their impacts on individuals, groups, organizations and societies. The Handbook is an informative text that will serve as an excellent resource for undergraduate students and scholars alike. -- Leah F. Vosko I cannot welcome enough The SAGE Handbook of the Sociology of Work and Employment. As a collection it is not only wide-ranging and instructive but also original and stimulating. In assembling such high quality works by world leading authorities Steve Edgell, Heidi Gottfried and Ed Granter have made a significant contribution to the study of occupations and organizations. The various sections engage the reader in discovering the contemporary context and experience of work in a vibrant text which reports the latest developments in theory and practice. This is a marvellous volume and teachers and students will love it. -- John Hassard The present volume, in its encyclopaedic coverage, is an achievement in mapping out the contours of a classic field of sociological study, as well as demonstrating its pertinence to the present day. -- Carl Rhodes, University of Technology Sydney, Australia This Handbook conclusively demonstrates how the sociology of work and employment has long transcended any such narrow boundaries and continues to push further in key respects, providing a firm basis for coming to grips with the profound changes in work and employment that are currently underway. Highlighting a rich topical literature and identifying emerging research agendas...this is a valuable source book for all students of the sociology of work and employment. -- Tony Elger I have no hesitation in commending the Handbook to students, academics and policy makers who wish to develop their knowledge and understanding of a range of contemporary issues associated with employment and work in the 21st Century. -- David Devins As several contributors recognize, the old caricature of SWE as the study of male, unionized, manual workplaces was never entirely adequate, but this Handbook conclusively demonstrates how the SWE agenda has long transcended any such narrow boundaries and continues to push further in key respects, providing a firm basis for coming to grips with the profound changes in work and employment that are currently underway A valuable source book for all students of the sociology of work and employment. -- Tony Elger
