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Do New Generations Imply the End of Solidarity? Swedish Unionism in the Era of Individualization

Author

Listed:
  • Michael Alivin

    (National Institute for Working Life)

  • Magnus Sverke

    (Stockholm University)

Abstract

The role of trade unions in modern society is challenged, partly by external factors but primarily by a threat from within the organizations. We argue that the processes of individualization and an increasing differentiation of the workforce undermine unions' traditional forms of interest representation because different generations express differing relationships to the union movement. Questionnaire data from Swedish blue-collar workers are congruent with our postulations that the older generations share the ideology and mission of their unions while the young generation expresses more instrumental union attitudes. The implications of the conceptual arguments and empirical findings are discussed with reference to union policy-making and the future roles of the trade unions.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael Alivin & Magnus Sverke, 2000. "Do New Generations Imply the End of Solidarity? Swedish Unionism in the Era of Individualization," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 21(1), pages 71-95, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ecoind:v:21:y:2000:i:1:p:71-95
    DOI: 10.1177/0143831X00211004
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gallagher, Daniel G. & Strauss, George, 1991. "Union Membership Attitudes and Participation," Institute for Research on Labor and Employment, Working Paper Series qt0571x3vf, Institute of Industrial Relations, UC Berkeley.
    2. Steve Williams, 1997. "The Nature of Some Recent Trade Union Modernization Policies in the UK," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 35(4), pages 495-514, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Peter Haynes & Jack Vowles & Peter Boxall, 2005. "Explaining the Younger– Older Worker Union Density Gap: Evidence from New Zealand," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 43(1), pages 93-116, March.
    2. Bengt Furåker & Tomas Berglund, 2003. "Are the Unions Still Needed? Employees' Views of their Relations to Unions and Employers," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 24(4), pages 573-594, November.
    3. Heungjun Jung & Minju Shin, 2025. "Generational differences in work attitudes: The role of union instrumentality and socioeconomic status," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 46(2), pages 318-339, May.

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