The latter part of the 20th century witnessed remarkable transformations in the workplace, including the emergence of new organizational designs, new technologies, new markets, new workers, and the globalization of production. Changing Contours of Work examines the effects that these (and other) changes have had on workers' lives on and off the job and the ability to make ends meet. Using a historical lens, this book reconsiders the notion of a new economy revealing important changes that have transpired, but also enduring practices that developed in the old economy that continue to shape the opportunity divides that exist today. By framing the development of jobs and opportunity in an international comparative perspective, Sweet and Meiksins show the roads taken, and those not taken, and the impact these choices have had on the structure opportunity in American society. Their analysis reveals various opportunity chasms, and the continued importance of class, gender, race, nationality in the shaping life chances. As workers struggle to make a living, they do so in an economy being built on risk and overwork.The recommendation offered in this book of value to consumers, activist groups, employers, and governments - offers clear guidance on the strategies of making the new economy work for all.