Topic Summaries

Organisation and control of the labour process

A-Level > Sociology > AQA > A Level Sociology Topic Summaries > Work, poverty, and welfare > Organisation and control of the labour process
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Exam overview
  • Division of labour:
    • Durkheim: creates organic solidarity through interdependence. 
      • Overly positive, ignores exploitation.
    • Marx: leads to alienation from product, process, self, and others.
      • Neglects positive aspects of skilled work.
  • Scientific management: (👤 Taylor, 1911) maximises efficiency by breaking jobs into simple tasks controlled by management. 
    • Increases productivity but reduces worker autonomy.
  • Fordism: (👤 Ford, 1900s) mass production via assembly line reduces need for skill.
    • Creates monotony and job dissatisfaction.
  • De-skilling: (👤 Braverman, 1974) technology weakens worker power and cheapens labour.
    • Some modern technology increases skill requirements.
  • Post-Fordism: (👥 Piore and Sabel, 1984) flexible, multi-skilled workforce needed for niche markets.
    • Not universal, many sectors remain low-paid and insecure.

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