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Neo-villeiny and the service sector: the case of hyper flexible and precarious work in fitness centres

Author

Listed:
  • Geraint Harvey

    (University of Birmingham, UK)

  • Carl Rhodes

    (University of Technology Sydney, Australia)

  • Sheena J Vachhani

    (University of Bristol, UK)

  • Karen Williams

    (Swansea University, UK)

Abstract

This article presents data from a comprehensive study of hyper flexible and precarious work in the service sector. A series of interviews were conducted with self-employed personal trainers along with more than 200 hours of participant observation within fitness centres in the UK. Analysis of the data reveals a new form of hyper flexible and precarious work that is labelled neo-villeiny in this article. Neo-villeiny is characterized by four features: bondage to the organization; payment of rent to the organization; no guarantee of any income; and extensive unpaid and speculative work that is highly beneficial to the organization. The neo-villeiny of the self-employed personal trainer offers the fitness centre all of the benefits associated with hyper flexible work, but also mitigates the detrimental outcomes associated with precarious work. The article considers the potential for adoption of this new form of hyper flexible and precarious work across the broader service sector.

Suggested Citation

  • Geraint Harvey & Carl Rhodes & Sheena J Vachhani & Karen Williams, 2017. "Neo-villeiny and the service sector: the case of hyper flexible and precarious work in fitness centres," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 31(1), pages 19-35, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:woemps:v:31:y:2017:i:1:p:19-35
    DOI: 10.1177/0950017016638023
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Elke J. Jahn & Regina T. Riphahn & Claus Schnabel, 2012. "Feature: Flexible Forms of Employment: Boon and Bane," Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 122(562), pages 115-124, August.
    2. Chris Warhurst & DENNIS NICKSON & ANNE WITZ & ANNE MARIE CULLEN, 2000. "Aesthetic Labour in Interactive Service Work: Some Case Study Evidence from the ‘New’ Glasgow," The Service Industries Journal, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 20(3), pages 1-18, July.
    3. Bill Cooke, 2003. "The Denial of Slavery in Management Studies," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 40(8), pages 1895-1918, December.
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