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Industrial Work, Instrumentalism, Learning Processes: An Old Debate in a Utopian Perspective

Author

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  • Peter Olsen

    (The Technical Universily of Denmark)

  • Kurt A. Nielsen

    (The University of Copenhagen)

  • Birger S. Nielsen

    (The Royal Danish School of Educational Studies)

Abstract

Recent research on unskilled industrial work suggests that workers' orientations to work are complex and ambivalent implying defence mechanisms, resistance and (latent) interest in the work and its change. This notion is discussed in the first part of the article and it represents the theoretical starting point for the project presented in the second part. In a current action research project, called 'Industry and Happiness', an egalitarian co-operation between unskilled workers and researchers has been developed. Through a utopian working method the workers have developed autonomous learning processes. On the basis of their own experiences they have produced visions of a democratic industry viewed as part of a better life. The workers and researchers aim at a practical social experiment in order to try out the visions, step by step, in a future self-governed fishing industry.

Suggested Citation

  • Peter Olsen & Kurt A. Nielsen & Birger S. Nielsen, 1993. "Industrial Work, Instrumentalism, Learning Processes: An Old Debate in a Utopian Perspective," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 14(4), pages 487-510, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ecoind:v:14:y:1993:i:4:p:487-510
    DOI: 10.1177/0143831X93144002
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