This book is one of the first studies in the new field of the sociology of human rights,and it centres its analysis on labour rights. Such rights are of critical importance in this field, work being the defining aspect of many peoples lives and a central concern of sociology. It advances both critical analysis and positive alternatives for reform, and evaluates human rights law in a diverse array of countries (including the UK, the US, China, France, Sweden, Australia, Japan, Argentina, Brazil, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore). This groundbreaking book will be of interest to those in the fields of labour law, sociology, human rights and international law.