Through a series of case studies of low-status interactive and embodied servicing work, Working Bodies examines the theoretical and empirical nature of the shift to embodied work in service-dominated economies.
Defines ‘body work’ to include the work by service sector employees on their own bodies and on the bodies of others
Sets UK case studies in the context of global patterns of economic change
Explores the consequences of growing polarization in the service sector
Draws on geography, sociology, anthropology, labour market studies, and feminist scholarship
About the Author
Linda McDowell is Professor of Human Geography and Director of the Graduate School of Geography at the University of Oxford and a Fellow of St. John's College, where she is also Director of the Research Centre. Widely published, McDowell's books include Capital Culture: Gender at Work in the City (1997), Redundant Masculinities? Employment Change and White Working Class Youth (2003) and Hard Labour (2005).
Features
Defines ‘body work’ to include the work by service sector employees on their own bodies and on the bodies of others
Sets UK and US case studies in the context of global patterns of economic change
Explores the consequences of growing polarization in the service sector
Discusses the methodological issues raised in case study and qualitative research
Draws on geography, sociology, anthropology, labour market studies, and feminist scholarship
