Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the definition of work?
Carrying out tasks – both mental and physical – with the objective of producing goods and services to meet human needs.
What is employment?
Remunerated work.
What is a main resource on which people depend to meet their needs?
A wage.
What are some characteristics of work?
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What can be a problem experienced by unemployed or retired people?
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According to Marx, what does he view as the outcomes of the social organization of labor?
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According to Durkheim, what does he see as the outcomes of the social organization of labor?
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What do you think about the integration of new approaches into existing Fordist techniques?
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How are AI, robotics, and digital technology changing the world of work?
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What do you feel about being a 'portfolio worker' and homeworking?
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How can 'low trust' and 'high trust' systems be identifiable in forms of work?
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Study Notes
Defining Work
- Work is the activity of producing goods and services, by physical or mental effort, to satisfy human needs
Defining Employment
- Employment is work that is paid, contrasting with unemployment.
Money's Role in Work
- Wages support human needs, making daily life possible
- Without income, basic needs are hard to meet
Work: A Source of Characteristics
- Activities: Work provides skills development and a structured use of energy, even if tasks are repetitive
- Variety: Offers a break from home life and experiences new environments
- Temporal Structure: Employment sets the daily rhythm, creating a schedule
- Social Contacts: Fosters friendships and activities, particularly with work unions
- Personal Identity: Provides social standing, linked to economic contribution and fostering self-esteem
Domestic Division of Labour: Examining Change and Resistance
- Identify changes and stability in domestic work, caregiving, finances, and care for sick family members.
- Think about which areas are most resistant to change. Explain why this might be.
Is Domestic Labour Essential to the Economy?
- Consider how domestic labour is vital for the economy.
- Explore whether it is equally shared amongst opposite-sex couples.
Examining the Social Organisation of Work through Different Theories
- Marxist perspective: Work is about social organization of labor, leading to exploitation and inequality.
- Durkheim's perspective: Focuses on the division of labor, social cohesion, and benefits of specialization.
- Apply your own perspective: Do you agree with Marx or Durkheim, or both?
The Evolution of Work: Integrating New Approaches
- Explore the idea of a "neo-Fordism" integrating new techniques into Fordism.
- Look for modern examples.
- Analyze its potential benefits and drawbacks for different people.
Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Digital Technology - Reshaping the Future of Work
- Analyze the impact of emerging technologies on the workplace.
- Discuss the likelihood of upskilling or deskilling the workforce.
- Assess the implications for various individual and group interests.
The Future of Work: Portfolio Workers and Homeworking
- Reflect on the trend of "portfolio workers" and the rise of homeworking.
- Consider if this will shape your future work life.
- Evaluate the potential advantages and disadvantages for yourself and others.
Understanding Low-Trust and High-Trust Systems in the Workplace
- Identify the characteristics of "low-trust" and "high-trust" systems.
- Analyze these systems within different forms of work discussed.
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Description
Explore the essential definitions and roles of work and employment in society. This quiz also examines the significance of wages, the impact of work on personal identity, and the dynamics of domestic labor. Test your knowledge on how these elements influence everyday life and social interactions.
