Sociology 2169 Lecture 4: Skill at Work
9 Feb 2017
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Positive perspective; stand in contrast to most of the other social thinkers. Argues that detailed division of labor was pivotal for the success of capitalism. Used example of pin factory to show success. Detailed division of labor would increase our productivity. Two key factors: (1) workers would repeatedly perform tasks and thus develop greater skill and dexterity than before; (2) specialization would encourage machinery which would replace labor and allow work to be more effective. Not concerned with people(cid:495)s autonomy; looking from a more economical view. The other four theorists took a more negative point of view. Detailed division of labor was simply a way for management (employer) to create greater profit and control workers. Overtime employees would eventually become indistinguishable in terms of abilities and skill level. Not a good or bad thing, but a necessity division of labor is a necessary function.
