Allison J. Pugh

In "The Tumbleweed Society," sociologist Allison Pugh explores how men and women define commitment and obligation within the context of job insecurity. The book’s content is based on eighty in-depth interviews. Pugh does not attempt to generalize to what extent trends uncovered in her study pertain to the general population. Her qualitative study does suggest avenues for future research. Pugh points out how the lack of job certainty impacts people’s perceptions of work, family, and self. Pugh provides us with an intimate record of how job insecurity impacts people’s private lives. The book can be a depressing read. This is not a volume for the casual reader. The book is aimed more to academics. However, policy makers and business leaders would benefit from reading the book. Pugh gives voice to the individual struggle to define caring and commitment within a culture of insecurity.… (altro)