Internal states in the UK -- Internal states in the USA -- Despotic time in the UK : overcoming hegemonic constraints -- Despotic time in the USA : undermining worker organization -- The dynamics of work and scheduling gifts -- Limits of control and spaces of resistance -- Conclusions : control in the 21st century
Summary
"Experiences of paid work have shifted radically over the last 30 years with the rise of flexible scheduling and the gig economy. In this book, Alex Wood attempts to provide an updated account of power in this changing economy. With in-depth case studies of two of the largest retail businesses in the world, one in the United States and one in the United Kingdom, he sheds light on a new despotic mode of domination in which managers discipline workers through reducing the quantity, stability, and sociability of their hours. In turn workers must continually strive to maintain their manager's favor in the hope of receiving 'schedule gifts', the granting of additional hours and the rearranging of schedules. Workers experience the operation of flexible scheduling as acts of kindness. As such, schedule gifts bind workers to their managers' interests through feelings of gratitude and moral obligation. In this way precarious scheduling gives rise to what is a new regime of power for the on-demand economy"-- Provided by publisher
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references and index
Notes
Description based on online resource; title from digital title page (viewed on April 21, 2020)
