The Anthropology of Labor Unions

This insightful exploration, The Anthropology of Labor Unions, analyzes eight ethnographic case studies from various industries, addressing critical issues in organized labor.

In The Anthropology of Labor Unions, readers are presented with a comprehensive analysis through eight ethnographic case studies drawn from a variety of industries. This work delves into diverse topics, such as the significant roles that women and community play in labor strikes, alongside the critical importance of geographical context in organizational structures. The studies span across global concerns, with insightful contributions from regions like Mexico and Malawi, highlighting the universal themes within labor dynamics.

The book emphasizes the economic benefits associated with union membership, noting that unionized workplaces generally provide workers with higher wages, better pensions, and improved health coverage compared to nonunion environments. Moreover, it reveals that women and minority workers affiliated with unions tend to enjoy enhanced wages and benefits relative to their nonunion counterparts. Despite these advantages, the text raises an intriguing question: why is labor organization experiencing a decline across various industries?

Contributors to this volume offer diverse perspectives on this paradox, exploring the histories, cultures, and practices of organized labor. They examine key issues such as race, class, gender, and the evolving relationships between unions and management. As the first anthology to compile anthropological case studies on labor unions, The Anthropology of Labor Unions serves as a valuable resource for cultural anthropologists, social scientists, and anyone interested in labor movements and studies.