by Guy Standing (Author)
This book presents the Precariat - an emerging class, comprising the rapidly growing number of people facing lives of insecurity, moving in and out of jobs that give little meaning to their lives. Guy Standing argues that this class is producing instabilities in society. Although it would be wrong to characterise members of the Precariat as victims, many are frustrated and angry. The Precariat is dangerous because it is internally divided, leading to the villainisation of migrants and other vulnerable groups. Lacking agency, its members may be susceptible to the siren calls of political extremism. To prevent a `politics of inferno', Guy Standing argues for a `politics of paradise', in which redistribution and income security are reconfi gured in a new kind of Good Society, and in which the fears and aspirations of the Precariat are made central to a progressive strategy.
Format: Paperback
Pages: 192
Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic
Published: 11 Apr 2011
ISBN 10: 1849663513
ISBN 13: 9781849663519
Book Overview: This book introduces the Precariat - the growing number of people facing lives of insecurity, doing work without a past or future. Guy Standing examines why the Precariat is growing, what fears it faces, what political dangers it represents and what might be done politically to ease the situation.