Change and Development in Industrial Society

I will describe a nearby grocery shop worker.

a) Social composition of the work force:
The workers are usually from the lower or middle income groups. Both men and women may work there, though in small shops men are more common. Many workers are young adults. Some may come from the same region as the shop owner, while others are migrants from nearby villages or towns.

b) Labour process:
The work includes arranging goods, billing, cleaning, loading and unloading items, and attending customers. The shop opens early and the work is continuous throughout the day. In small shops, one person may do many tasks at once.

c) Wages and other benefits:
Workers are usually paid a monthly salary or sometimes daily wages. In many small shops, wages are low and there may be no pension, provident fund, paid leave, or medical benefits. Sometimes workers get only meals or small bonuses.

d) Working conditions:
Working conditions are often not very comfortable. The worker may stand for long hours, work in heat or dust, and get little rest. Safety depends on the shop: a small shop may have poor ventilation, crowded space, and no fixed rest time. Working hours are often long, sometimes from morning to late evening.

This shows that work is not only about earning money, but also depends on social background, wages, and working conditions.