Beyond Industrial Sociology

Drawing on recent Marxist, post-structuralist and post-Fordist approaches, the authors look at the full range of participants in the workforce.

They move away from the conventional emphasis on the full-time paid male worker to consider the position of women, migrants, Aborigines and the disabled, as well as part-time work, unpaid work and unemployment.

At the same time, they do not forget the often dangerous industrial work undertaken by men, and issues of occupational health and safety. The authors also consider influential theories of workplace relations including Taylorism, flexible specialization and Fordism, assessing their influence and their relevance to Australia today.

They examine the role of the state in labour relations, and argue that despite its many flaws, the arbitration system should be retained and reformed, as enterprise bargaining reduces the bargaining power of the majority of working people.

The book may be used as a teaching text in courses in industrial relations and sociology. The authors also consider influential theories of workplace relations including Taylorism, flexible specialization and Fordism, assessing their influence and their relevance to Australia today.

They examine the role of the state in labour relations, and argue that despite its many flaws, the arbitration system should be retained and reformed, as enterprise bargaining reduces the bargaining power of the majority of working people. The book will be used as a teaching text in courses in industrial relations and sociology. Claire Williams is the author of Jean Martin Award winner "Open Cut", and also "Blue, White and Pink Collar Workers in Australia" (both Allen & Unwin).

Bill Thorpe researches in Australian and Queensland history.