Contributions of Sociological Pioneers to the Sociology of Work

Abstract

The idea of ​​work has evolved with the existence and development of man since time immemorial; however, man's view of this idea has taken many forms and shapes from ancient civilizations to modern civilizations. Work was and will remain a source of production, development and advancement, despite the differences between civilizations in their view of work and the values ​​associated with it. Work represents the solid and fixed pillar in the economic system of society, and this system in modern societies is based on industrial production, which in its modern concept differs profoundly from past production systems, most of which depended on agricultural work and herding. Modern societies have not only moved away from traditional agricultural activity, but what remains of agricultural activity has become largely industrialized, after modern machines and equipment replaced manual labor. Modern industry itself has also undergone transformation and change after technology became its basic foundation. Work is witnessing profound and enormous transformations, due to the effects of the entry of information technology into the world of work, which led to the near end of jobs and opportunities in the labor market. Therefore, many researchers believe that what is happening now is a transition to a new type of society that is not primarily based on industry and manufacturing, but rather goes beyond the industrial era as a whole, called the "post-industrial society" or "information age" or "new economy", or "knowledge economy", which is characterized by the constant flow of information and opinions; which led to a revolution in the organization of work. The sociology of work is nothing but a field of sociology, concerned with studying social relations in the work environment, and their impact on society.