Explores the historically changing nature of work in relation to the individual and society. Uses theoretical literature to explore themes such as the development of the labour process, the relationship between work and ethnicity, the cultural and ideological dimensions of work, and the connections between changes in the workplace and broader labour movements. Unemployment, technological change and workers' responses are examined. The gendered nature of work is considered: the role of the household economy, the development of sexual divisions of labour and the forms of work specific to women's experience as well as the role of work in shaping men's identities. Students will visit museums and industrial sites. Draws on case studies from a broad range of countries, including Australia.