Into the New Century: The Changing Terrain for Work and Employment

Abstract

Discussions, assertions and policy statements concerning the nature of work at the end of the twentieth century can only be fully understood if we review them against wider socio-economic contexts. These comprise both substantive and observable trends in employment and society in the UK and, given the location of this study, in Scotland, and also of a conceptual element: the prevailing theories, models and predictions about what such trends mean. This latter, conceptual context — broadly that a paradigm shift has taken place in society, economy and the world of work — is associated with the knowledge economy model. This may be seen to constitute a key element of an interpretative hegemony that so pervades policy statements and popular discourse as to have become received common sense.