Includes bibliographical references and index.

"Ulrich Beck examines how work has become unstable in the modern world and presents a new vision for the future. Beck begins by describing how the traditional work society, with its lifelong job paths, is giving way to a much less stable world in which skills can be suddenly devalued, jobs obliterated, welfare cover reduced or eliminated. The West would appear to be heading towards a social structure of ambiguity and multiple activity that has hitherto been more characteristic of the developing world. But what appears to be the end of traditional working practices can also be seen as an opportunity to develop new ideas and models for work in the twenty-first century."

"This book will be of interest to second- and third-year students in sociology, politics, geography and the social sciences generally. It will also appeal to a broader audience interested in the issues and debates surrounding the changing nature of work."--Jacket.

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