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Does work socialisation matter? Worker engagement in political activities, attachment to democracy and openness to immigration

Author

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  • Lorraine Ryan
  • Thomas Turner

Abstract

The effects of work socialisation on worker engagement in political activities, attachment to democracy and openness to outsiders are explored in this article. Work environments are measured using firm size, unionisation and employee participation as significant factors that contribute to the development of democratic or authoritarian sentiment at work. Using data from the European Social Survey across 11 countries, we test whether work socialisation influences individuals' attitudes such as trust in the societal institutions of democracy, active involvement in political activities and openness to outsiders, particularly immigrants. Results indicate that individuals working in large organisations accompanied by higher levels of voice and participation at work are more likely to report greater political engagement, trust in politics, trust in people and openness to outsiders compared to workers in small organisations with low levels of voice and participation.

Suggested Citation

  • Lorraine Ryan & Thomas Turner, 2021. "Does work socialisation matter? Worker engagement in political activities, attachment to democracy and openness to immigration," Industrial Relations Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 52(2), pages 125-144, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:indrel:v:52:y:2021:i:2:p:125-144
    DOI: 10.1111/irj.12319
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    5. Johannes Kiess & Andre Schmidt, 2025. "The political spillover of workplace democratization: How democratic efficacy at the workplace contributes to countering right-wing extremist attitudes in Germany," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 46(2), pages 469-495, May.
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    7. Aliaksei Kazlou & Lin Lerpold & Örjan Sjöberg, 2024. "Trade unions, refugees and immigrant labour: Has the attitude changed? The stance of Swedish blue‐collar trade unions as evidenced by sentiment analysis," Industrial Relations Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 55(3), pages 222-239, May.

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