Labor Organisations
A Macro- and Micro-Sociological analysis on A Comparative Basis

Professor van de Vall examines how trade unions have changed from the nineteenth century to 1960–1970.

Mark van de Vall (Author)

9780521130813, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 11 February 2010

272 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.6 cm, 0.4 kg

From an opposition movement trade unions have become a recognised institution deeply rooted in our economic and political system. Trade union members' perception of their union, their motives for joining and participating or leaving the unions and also the aims they expect their unions to pursue have all altered. Professor van de Vall's 1970 text questions what problems processes of change in society, change in the unions and change in their membership have created. The author first examines the economic, sociological, psychological and political differences between the nineteenth century and the 1960s. He then delves into trade union movement's organisational structure and how it changed. Arguing that the union's ties with its members were declining the author considers why this was the case and investigates the role automation plays in this process. This analysis of labour's problems rests basically upon research in Western Europe during the late 1960s, and uses the United States data for comparative purposes.

Lists of figures, tables and charts
Part I. Macro-Sociological Analysis: 1. The Welfare State
2. The trade unions
3. The leaders and the members
Part II. Micro-Sociological Analysis: 4. Toward the union: joining
5. In the union: participation
6. Out of the union: ex-members
Appendices
Bibliography
Index of names
Index of subjects.

Subject Areas: Sociology & anthropology [JH]