Second Thoughts on Work

This book examines the forces which are changing work in the 1980s and offers a concise analysis of the challenges for social policy which lie ahead. The first of nine chapters looks at changes affecting Americans' concept of work, including expectations, commitment to work, satisfaction, and work reform. Discussion in chapter 2 focuses on development of historical views toward work. Chapter 3 looks at these topics affecting the survival and strengthening of the work ethic: women in the labor force, men's earlier retirement, black unemployment, work motivation amidst poverty and unemployment, and expansion of leisure and nonwork time. Chapter 4 reviews job satisfaction surveys and examines the weaknesses of evidence of discontent. Changes in the nature of work are discussed in chapter 5, including shifts toward service and white-collar employment, technological innovation, robotics, microprocessors, and automation. Chapter 6 describes the worker of tomorrow, while chapter 7 considers reform from a historical perspective. Obstacles to long-term and widespread change (job redesign and participative management) are examined in chapter 8. Chapter 9 concludes the book with a look at the future of work that takes into consideration negative and positive aspects. (YLB)