Policy Press

Work and Social Justice

Rethinking Labour in Society and the Economy

By Flora Gill

Published

Jul 31, 2023

Page count

190 pages

ISBN

978-1447369936

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Jul 31, 2023

Page count

190 pages

ISBN

978-1447369943

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Jul 31, 2023

Page count

190 pages

ISBN

978-1447369943

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Policy Press
Work and Social Justice

Today’s economics offers us a far too narrow perspective on the role that paid work plays in our lives, as individuals and as a society.

This book examines the urgent workplace challenges we’re facing today, from automation to AI and climate change, with an interdisciplinary and historical analysis that challenges and broadens the scope of existing economic literature. Exploring the current economic proposals to address these issues, it advocates for a more egalitarian and sustainable future that builds workers’ protections into the very fabric of our economic systems.

This is a resounding call for greater economic social justice and equality at work and a valuable resource for social scientists from fields like heterodox economics, business and sociology.

"This is an incisive assessment of the vital role of paid work in our society. Gill presents an interdisciplinary understanding of employment relations and charts the pathway to a more just and equitable future ... an excellent piece of scholarship." Garry Barrett, University of Sydney

Flora Gill is Honorary Associate Professor of Work and Organisational Studies at the University of Sydney.

1. Introduction

Part 1: Through the lens of economics

2. The unfortunate legacies of the 18th and 19th centuries

3. The scope and limits of economics

4. Paid work through the lens of economics

5. Equity, social justice and the ‘efficient economy’

Part 2: The rise and fall of progressive policies

6. From the ‘Dark Satanic Mills’ to the welfare state

7. Enter neoliberalism

Part 3: When profit and prejudice reign

8. Profits vs the duty of care

9. Still waiting – gender, race and ethnicity

Part 4: Beyond the measuring rod of money

10. Looking at paid work outside the lens of economics

11. Power over others

12. Human rights and democracy in the workplace

13. Confronting climate change and the AI revolution

Epilogue