Second Thoughts on Work.

Abstract

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 woxk; 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 refor from a historical. perspective. Obstacles to long-term and wid spread change (job redesign and'participative management). are exftiined in chapter 8. Chapter 9 concludes-the book'with a loolliat the future of work that takes into consideration negitive and positive aspects. (YLB) ********************************************************************** * Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made *