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Strikes in Colonial India, 1921–1938

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  • Susan Wolcott

Abstract

Newly collected data on India's textile industry over the years 1921–38 show strike rates far higher than those observed in the British or U.S. textile industries when they were at a similar stage of development, despite an absence of formal union organization or state support for collective bargaining. Colonial India's high strike frequency is hard to account for in terms of current theories of strikes and collective action in general. The author believes that these data may point to the important role of social norms of cooperation in sustaining collective action.

Suggested Citation

  • Susan Wolcott, 2008. "Strikes in Colonial India, 1921–1938," ILR Review, Cornell University, ILR School, vol. 61(4), pages 460-484, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ilrrev:v:61:y:2008:i:4:p:460-484
    DOI: 10.1177/001979390806100402
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    5. Card, David & Olson, Craig A, 1995. "Bargaining Power, Strike Durations, and Wage Outcomes: An Analysis of Strikes in the 1880s," Journal of Labor Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 13(1), pages 32-61, January.
    6. Kaivan Munshi & Mark Rosenzweig, 2006. "Traditional Institutions Meet the Modern World: Caste, Gender, and Schooling Choice in a Globalizing Economy," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 96(4), pages 1225-1252, September.
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