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The essence of trade unions: understanding identity, ideology and purpose

Author

Listed:
  • Andy Hodder

    (University of Birmingham, UK)

  • Paul Edwards

    (University of Birmingham, UK)

Abstract

Academics have long investigated trade union behaviour through the complex interaction of identity, ideology and purpose. At the same time, there have been increasing calls to gain a deeper understanding of the purpose of strategies but the two bodies of literature seldom overlap. The article proposes a framework to help understand the essence of trade unions and to situate strategies (such as organizing) in this broader context and bridge the gap between the literature on union purpose and identity and on strategies for renewal. It is argued that the essence of unions framework can assist with the analysis of both historical and contemporary trade unionism and allows both clarification and consideration of the range of concepts and terms already in use in the industrial relations literature.

Suggested Citation

  • Andy Hodder & Paul Edwards, 2015. "The essence of trade unions: understanding identity, ideology and purpose," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 29(5), pages 843-854, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:woemps:v:29:y:2015:i:5:p:843-854
    DOI: 10.1177/0950017014568142
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hyman, Richard, 2007. "How can trade unions act strategically?," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 39803, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    2. Miguel Martinez Lucio & Mark Stuart, 2009. "Organising and Union Modernisation: Narratives of Renewal in Britain," Palgrave Macmillan Books, in: Gregor Gall (ed.), Union Revitalisation in Advanced Economies, chapter 2, pages 17-37, Palgrave Macmillan.
    3. Bob Carter, 2006. "Trade union organizing and renewal," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 20(2), pages 415-426, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Geraint Harvey & Andy Hodder & Stephen Brammer, 2017. "Trade union participation in CSR deliberation: an evaluation," Industrial Relations Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 48(1), pages 42-55, January.
    2. Torsten Geelan & Andy Hodder, 2017. "Enhancing transnational labour solidarity: the unfulfilled promise of the Internet and social media," Industrial Relations Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 48(4), pages 345-364, July.

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