Socialization into Skilled Identities: An Analysis of a Neglected Phenomenon

This paper examines a neglected aspect of the debate about skill in contemporary economic sociology. It focuses on the processes of socialization whereby skilled workers acquire their social identities. It is suggested that apprenticeship relations between older and younger workers are of prime importance. It is also argued that skilled workers acquire a multiple set of identities—occupational, craft and class—which can be ranked hierarchically. These multiple identities act as resources for the interpretation of events. It is also argued that socialization into skilled identities is linked with forms of meaning acquired by apprentices prior to entry into paid employment.