This book investigates the psychological and social consequences of repetitive, routine labor within the modern industrial and service sectors. Barbara Garson, a journalist and playwright, utilizes extensive on-site interviews and observational reporting to document the experiences of workers across various industries. Her primary argument posits that the fragmentation of tasks and the imposition of rigid efficiency standards strip labor of its inherent meaning, leading to alienation and diminished human agency.

Critics and labor scholars frequently cite this work as a foundational text for understanding the human cost of industrial efficiency. Readers often note the accessible, narrative-driven prose that effectively translates complex sociological observations into relatable human experiences.