Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book discuses the connection between labour problems and the problems of the economic phenomenon of inflation. Inflation has also been of major concern, particularly for successive governments. In addition, the perusal of the literature in this subject area and the study of current events gave rise to my growing interest in problems of inflation and incomes policy. The offer of a research assistantship at Birmingham University in 1949 to join a team which was investigating problems of labour efficiency therefore appeared attractive. At a Social Science Research Centre Seminar in 1957, presents a discussion paper on social norms and economic decisions. Supplementary grants led to further sample surveys and a new grant for 1971-75 for a project entitled The Impact of Inflation on Conceptions of Earnings and Attitudes to Work.