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Swedish trade unionism: A renewed social movement?

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Listed:
  • Abby Peterson
  • Mattias Wahlström
  • Magnus Wennerhag

Abstract

Claims as to the emergence of a new phase of unionism – social movement unionism – returning to its original ‘counter-cultural roots’, are closely allied with the claims as to a ‘new labour internationalism’ that is a significant break from the influential postwar trend of nation-statist unionism. This article interrogates these two popular paradigms from the perspective of the Swedish labour movement. The analysis is based on qualitative interviews with union officials, as well as quantitative analysis of union homepage content and responses to surveys among May Day demonstrators. The general conclusion as regards social movement unionism in Sweden is that the major unions, although increasingly interested in cooperation with social movement organizations, are still far from changing the repertoire of action that has been predominant in the postwar period. International solidarity – among both union officials and grassroots activists – is strongly ambivalent, and attitudes to international support oscillate between charity and self-interest.

Suggested Citation

  • Abby Peterson & Mattias Wahlström & Magnus Wennerhag, 2012. "Swedish trade unionism: A renewed social movement?," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 33(4), pages 621-647, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ecoind:v:33:y:2012:i:4:p:621-647
    DOI: 10.1177/0143831X11425257
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Rebecca A. Johns, 1998. "Bridging the Gap between Class and Space: U.S. Worker Solidarity with Guatemala," Economic Geography, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 74(3), pages 252-271, July.
    2. Pablo Ghigliani, 2005. "International Trade Unionism in a Globalizing World: A Case Study of New Labour Internationalism," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 26(3), pages 359-382, August.
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