How is work changing in the 21st century? This review examines the growing prevalence of nonstandard employment relations, including part-time, temporary, and contract work. Pointing to the challenges posed by inconsistent definitions and inadequate measures, it emphasizes the need for comparative research to understand these evolving work arrangements. The review synthesizes emerging research from sociologists, economists, and psychologists, highlighting the multidisciplinary nature of this field. It focuses on cross-national research, emphasizing how macroeconomic, political, and institutional factors shape employment relations. The paper also suggests directions for future inquiry. Overall, this research underscores the need for further investigation into nonstandard work. By clarifying definitions and considering diverse perspectives, it seeks to inform policies and practices that promote fair and sustainable employment in a changing global landscape.
With its broad examination of employment trends and societal factors, this paper aligns well with the Annual Review of Sociology. The analysis of nonstandard work arrangements and their implications for social structures and economic well-being are directly relevant to the journal's scope. The review offers a valuable synthesis for sociologists and researchers in related fields.