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Speaking of Contradiction

Author

Listed:
  • Geraint Harvey

    (University of Birmingham, UK)

  • Peter Turnbull

    (University of Bristol, UK)

  • Daniel Wintersberger

    (University of Birmingham, UK)

Abstract

Whereas McGovern calls for a moratorium on the ever increasing (ab)use of the word ‘contradiction’, principally because scholars of work and employment fail to connect different levels of analysis and/or demonstrate how and why contradiction(s) lead to widespread instability and upheaval, it can be demonstrated how both can be achieved through the ‘system, society, dominance’ framework. In what follows, the empirical focus is on the safety-critical work of airport ground service providers (GSPs), where key elements of the employment relationship embody contradictions that can be traced to the (sub-)system (mode of production) of a Single European Aviation Market (SEAM) that is now dominated by low fares airlines (LFAs). Instead of a moratorium, scholars of work and employment need to reconnect with society and theoretically ground their analysis in a (capitalist) system beset with contradictions between the forces and relations of production.

Suggested Citation

  • Geraint Harvey & Peter Turnbull & Daniel Wintersberger, 2019. "Speaking of Contradiction," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 33(4), pages 719-730, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:woemps:v:33:y:2019:i:4:p:719-730
    DOI: 10.1177/0950017018759204
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    6. Bob Russell & Chris Smith & Raffaella Valsecchi & Monica Andersson Bäck, 2017. "System, society and dominance effects in the adoption of tele-health: A tri-country comparison," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 38(3), pages 425-447, August.
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    Cited by:

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