Theories of Trade Unionism : A Sociology of Industrial Relations

First published in 1981, Theories of Trade Unionism traces the development of trade union theory from its nineteenth-century foundations to the more advanced conceptual models present at the time of original publication. The book surveys the main tributaries of modern approaches – the moral and ethical, the revolutionary, the defensive or conservative, and the economic and political – and analyses the work of contemporary industrial relations scholars. This includes the main types and varieties of systems theory, the disparate pluralist approaches and the ‘radical school’. The book identifies links between the differing premises of the various schools of thought, and combines the main perspectives in a higher analytical and conceptual unity. It concludes with a discussion of a number of avenues for theoretical and conceptual progress. Theories of Trade Unionism is ideal for those with an interest in the history of trade union theory. Literature survey and analysis of the historical development of social theory relating to trade unionism - reviews the development of labour relations and early theories of the labour movement, the influences of the Oxford School (Durkheim, the Webbs, Dunlop), theories of pluralism and collective bargaining patterns, social inequality and trade union behaviour, and the Marxism approach; examines modern structuralist approaches, organization behaviour and influence of the social environment; discusses impact of cultural factors, value systems and political partys Monograph presenting theories and sociological aspects of trade unionism and labour relations - covers systems analysis of industrial relations, structural significance of division of labour, social stratification and trade union behaviour, relationships with social structure, value systems and culture, etc. Bibliography pp. 221 to 242 Michael Poole. Includes Indexes. Bibliography: P. 221-242.