What is Labor Studies?

UCLA Labor Studies offers a wide-ranging curriculum on work, labor systems, and the social, political, and economic forces that shape the world.

In the United States, work is about more than just “making a living.” Our jobs shape identity, community, and life opportunities, yet access to safe, fulfilling, and fair work remains deeply unequal across race, immigration status, gender, sexuality, ability, education, and economic status.

Labor Studies equips students with tools from sociology, economics, political science, ethnic studies, and history, as well as law, policy, and public health, to analyze and challenge systems of inequality in modern society.