Hardback
Work Appropriation of Low-Wage Workers in the Service Sector
The Re/Production of Society
9781035321674 Edward Elgar Publishing
Work Appropriation of Low-Wage Workers in the Service Sector deftly explores how supermarket clerks perceive their work when faced with meagre pay and frequently precarious working conditions. Speaking substantively on current social problems within clerks’ livelihoods, this essential book provides a fascinating comparison between German and US-based low-wage worker experiences.
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Critical Acclaim
Contents
More Information
Work Appropriation of Low-Wage Workers in the Service Sector deftly explores how supermarket clerks perceive their work when faced with meagre pay and frequently precarious working conditions. Speaking substantively on current social problems within clerks’ livelihoods, this essential book provides a fascinating comparison between German and US-based low-wage worker experiences.
Weaving together significant theoretical analysis and real-world empirical evidence, Antonia Kupfer presents fresh findings based on intricate sociological research. Chapters utilize accounts from supermarket clerks working in a wide variety of positions and stores, from discounters to high-end grocers. Ultimately, they suggest that political frameworks could greatly improve conditions for these workers and raise the level of professionalism within the service sector.
This engaging book will be highly illuminating for sociology scholars and policy makers seeking to understand the lived experiences of low paid workers. It will additionally be of benefit to those studying labor policy, inequality reduction and the sociology of discrimination.
Weaving together significant theoretical analysis and real-world empirical evidence, Antonia Kupfer presents fresh findings based on intricate sociological research. Chapters utilize accounts from supermarket clerks working in a wide variety of positions and stores, from discounters to high-end grocers. Ultimately, they suggest that political frameworks could greatly improve conditions for these workers and raise the level of professionalism within the service sector.
This engaging book will be highly illuminating for sociology scholars and policy makers seeking to understand the lived experiences of low paid workers. It will additionally be of benefit to those studying labor policy, inequality reduction and the sociology of discrimination.
Critical Acclaim
‘What is the worth of a supermarket clerk? Antonia Kupfer undertakes to answer this question through interviews with clerks in the U.S. and Germany. Despite being underpaid and devalued, these frontline workers express a robust work ethic in both places. Understanding why and how has powerful implications for how society values work.’
– Chris Tilly, UCLA, US
– Chris Tilly, UCLA, US
Contents
Contents:
Introduction to Work Appropriation of Low-Wage Workers in the
Service Sector
1 Food retail: outline of an essential sector
2 State of the research: Literature review
3 Conceptualizing work appropriation
4 Methods and sample
5 How the social status of the occupation impacts work
appropriation
6 Modes of use value constituting work appropriation
7 Activity, coming to terms with the job
Conclusion to Work Appropriation of Low-Wage Workers in the
Service Sector
References
Index
Introduction to Work Appropriation of Low-Wage Workers in the
Service Sector
1 Food retail: outline of an essential sector
2 State of the research: Literature review
3 Conceptualizing work appropriation
4 Methods and sample
5 How the social status of the occupation impacts work
appropriation
6 Modes of use value constituting work appropriation
7 Activity, coming to terms with the job
Conclusion to Work Appropriation of Low-Wage Workers in the
Service Sector
References
Index
