Fragmented Futures: New Challenges in Working Life

Fragmented Futures examines how working life has become more 'fragmented' as a result of significant social and economic change in Australia in the last quarter of the twentieth century. It asks how we should address such fragmentation in pursuit of a society in which prosperity is shared, diversity, choice and opportunity are increased, and exclusion and inequality are minimised. The book begins by examining the dominant model for Australian working life throughout most of the twentieth century (known as 'Harvester man'), its breakdown and the response to date. It then explores the specific fragmentation processes that have occurred, using a combination of surveys, statistics and other qualitative and quantitative research. Trends and issues covered include: our aspirations opportunities for work, unemployment and underemployment industry restructuring and the disappearance of jobs and occupations the growth of non-standard forms of employment longer and more intense working hours wage trends and the rising gap between rich and poor the work/life balance skills, training and education retirement and superannuation how international factors such as increased competition, consumption and investment have contributed to the above changes. Fragmented Futures provides a foundation on which to begin addressing the real social problems faced in work and life today. Its themes are at the core of everyday Australian experience; our response to its challenges will determine every Australian's future.