Bodies at Work

Bodies at Work provides the first comprehensive and accessible overview of the body/work relation in contemporary western societies. Bridging fields of sociology that have hitherto developed mainly along separate lines, the book demonstrates how concepts developed in the sociology of the body can enrich our understanding of changing patterns of work and employment.

Wolkowitz begins by establishing concerns prevalent in both the sociology of the body and the sociology of work. Drawing on existing research, the author proceeds to examine a wide range of types of employment: manufacturing, customer relations, health care, paid caring, the beauty industry and sex work. The contribution of feminist theory and research is highlighted throughout, and analyses of photographs help the reader conceptualize the changing nature of the body/work relationship over time.

Ideal for upper-undergraduate and postgraduate sociologists, as well as students on gender and business studies courses, Bodies at Work will help readers think more clearly and creatively about how work relations shape bodily experience.