Robert Went

This Open Access book provides a thorough analysis of the quality of work in the Netherlands, and suggests policy proposals to promote and facilitate good work for more people. New technology, flexibilization and the intensification of work will have significant consequences for all those who will still have jobs in the future, and – much less studied so far – for the quality of their work. Good work is essential for general well-being: for the individual’s quality of life, for the economy and for society. Good work for everyone should therefore be seen as an important aspiration for companies, institutions, social partners and governments. An essential read for an international audience of academics in the field of the sociology of work, labor economics and social policy, as well as for policymakers and researchers of trade unions, and representatives of other social movements.

This Open Access book provides a thorough analysis of the quality of work in the Netherlands, and suggests policy proposals to promote and facilitate good work for more people. New technology, flexibilization and the intensification of work will have significant consequences for all those who will still have jobs in the future, and – much less studied so far – for the quality of their work. Good work is essential for general well-being: for the individual’s quality of life, for the economy and for society. Good work for everyone should therefore be seen as an important aspiration for companies, institutions, social partners and governments. An essential read for an international audience of academics in the field of the sociology of work, labor economics and social policy, as well as for policymakers and researchers of trade unions, and representatives of other social movements.

Globalization is theorized in this book as an emerging new stage of capitalism. Robert Went takes us on a journey from the historical roots of globalization through to its relevance in the modern day. The Enigma of Globalization is a timely addition to an important debate and covers such themes as:* International trade* Free trade and international movement of capital* The role of the world economyThis accessible and intriguing book is a must, not only for students and academics working in the field, but will also prove an interesting read for all those with a general interest in the modern global political economy.

Globalization is theorized in this book as an emerging new stage of capitalism. Robert Went takes us on a journey from the historical roots of globalization through to its relevance in the modern day. The Enigma of Globalization is a timely addition to an important debate and covers such themes as:* International trade* Free trade and international movement of capital* The role of the world economyThis accessible and intriguing book is a must, not only for students and academics working in the field, but will also prove an interesting read for all those with a general interest in the modern global political economy.

In clear and concise terms, Robert Went demythologises globalization. He refutes the myth that globalization is an entirely new phenomenon and that it is an unavoidable process. While recognising that it poses serious strategic challenges to the Left, he argues that these challenges are not insurmountable and that there is hope for advocating real change. Went puts globalization into its historical perspective. He shows that there is no option of returning to the postwar mode of expansion, but that the current trend must be altered. If not, he warns of greater social inequality, levelling of wages, worsening of working conditions, life-threatening ecological deterioration and a pervasive dictatorship of the market. To combat this rampant globalization, Went challenges the Left to rebuild its own movement and offer up a credible alternative. From reviews of the Dutch and German edition ‘Every category of reader will find in Went an author who understands the art of writing very clearly and accessibly for a broad public’. Het Financiele Dagblad (Amsterdam), 14 March 1996 (The Dutch 'Financial Times') ‘This sober analysis of the globalization phenomenon is very accessible and smoothly written’. Financieel-Economische Tijd (Brussels), 20 April 1996 '(Went's) greatest merit is that he proves on the one hand that globalization is not storming ahead as fast as many would have us believe; and on the other hand he shows that great societal changes are taking place’. Onze Wereld (Amsterdam), June 1996 (one of the main Dutch Third World solidarity magazines).