Book Review: The Managed Heart: Commercialization of Human Feeling

• Published date: 01 December 2002
• Author: Amy S. Wharton
• Date: 01 December 2002
• DOI: 10.1177/073437102237817
• Subject Matter: Articles

parties must be guided by the notion that the ultimate goal is to manage the

conflict without damaging the long-term relationship between them.

Whereas the text begins with a historical treatment and a survey of the

question of labor relations in the public sector, the authors, appropriately,

end the text by anticipating and examining of the challenges and opportu-

nities for unions in government. Four types of challenges are discussed:

first, the continuing fiscal squeeze; second, structural challenges (affect of

new technologies on the work force, shifting of resources from government

to the private economy,effects of privatization, and the changing nature of

the work force); third, public policy challenges; and finally, strategic chal-

lenges. Although each of the anticipated challenges—structural, techno-

logical, economic, and strategic—presents public employee unions with

numerous dangers, they also open up opportunities. The chapter illustrates

opportunities embedded in each of those challenges.

In summary, the third edition of Labor Relations in the Public Sector

retains the depth and focus of the second edition while skillfully incorporat-

ing the political, economic, and social changes that are altering the public

sector collective bargaining environment. The text maintains its preemi-

nent position as one of the most comprehensive and balanced presentations

of public sector labor relations. To this end, the book should be recom-

mended to scholars and human resource professionals seeking a compre-

hensive text depicting the evolution of unionism and its affect on the ever-

changing environment of public sector labor relations.

—Deneen Al-Sadi

City of Memphis

Hochschild, Arlie Russell. (1983). The Managed Heart: Commercialization

of Human Feeling. Berkeley: University of California, 307 pp.

DOI: 10.1177/073437102237817

Arlie Hochschild is known in sociological circles as a keen social observer

and someone able to spot unfolding societal developments long before they

register on others’ radar screens. Hochschild is not always completely right

about the issues her work explores, but she’s always onto something impor-

tant. Her 1983 classic The Managed Heart is no exception to this pattern;

indeed, this book is one reason for Hochschild’s much-deserved reputation

as a sociologist whose impact extends far beyond her discipline and the

scholarly community.

330 REVIEW OF PUBLIC PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATION / Winter2002

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