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Occupation, Power and the Origins of Labor Segmentation in the U.S., 1870-1910

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  • Barnet Wagman

    (Economics Programme, Faculty of Management and Administration, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, British Columbia)

Abstract

Historical studies of labor segmentation have presented it as a predominantly post-World War 11 phenomenon. However, this view is based largely on the history of production workers in the manufacturing sector. Labor segmentation is closely related to differences in occupational characteristics that reflect workers' bargaining power. This paper examines the occupational structure of the U.S. in 1870 and 1910. The results indicate that labor segmentation was an established characteristic of the U.S. economy prior to World War 1.

Suggested Citation

  • Barnet Wagman, 1995. "Occupation, Power and the Origins of Labor Segmentation in the U.S., 1870-1910," Review of Radical Political Economics, Union for Radical Political Economics, vol. 27(1), pages 1-24, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:reorpe:v:27:y:1995:i:1:p:1-24
    DOI: 10.1177/048661349502700102
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    References listed on IDEAS

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