Notion of work in Sociology differs from natural sciences; it is not mere expenditure of energy but a social activity performed in a group involving power relations, social dynamics, functions, and conflict.

Marxian thought links work with Industrialisation and workers–owners relations, forming the foundation of Sociology along with Modernisation.

Marxian materialistic conception of history emphasises economic relations which spill over into other areas of life.

Workplace is integral to human identity, extending between work-life and home-life.

Recent emphasis on HR management and workplace satisfaction highlights importance of workplace sociology.

Biblical teachings view work as punishment for sin, while Calvinists see it as a calling; Hindu philosophy of Karma links work with duty; production of goods/services is also a source of creativity, happiness, and satisfaction.

Marx: loss of control over work leads to alienation.

Durkheim: work is an integrating force and basis of organic solidarity.

In modern societies, work dominates life more than any other activity.

Definition of work – tasks requiring mental and physical effort to produce goods/services for human needs; in economic sociology, it often implies paid employment, reward, or contract.

Earlier work – simple, community-based, home-centered before Industrialisation.

Modern society – complex division of labour and shift of work location outside home.

Marx studied alienation and deskilling in factory work.

Durkheim saw work as integration.

Weber analysed authority in modern bureaucratic organisations of work.

Sociology of work is vital as economy and production influence all parts of society (hunter-gatherer, feudal, industrial).

Importance of work in modern society:

• Source of income and living.

• Provides direction to energy for skill development.

• Breaks monotony of domestic life.

• Expands social contacts and builds social capital.

• Gives identity (people known by occupation in industrial societies).

Concept of work linked with Industrialisation and Capitalism.

Worker – one who enters employment by will, under contractual relations; distinct from labour, who lacks choice and may be forced (child labour, bonded labour, rural labour).

Employment – narrower than work.

Contemporary era – flexible production and decentralisation due to globalisation and competition.

Internet and e-commerce created virtual workplaces.

Technology changes nature of work; Robert Blauner argued more technology → more alienation.

Frank Hull et al. (2016) – confirmed Blauner but argued relationship is linear, not curvilinear.

Modern post-industrial societies show diversity in work: service industry, entrepreneurship, automation, inter-disciplinary work.