Overview

Originally published in 1955, this book examines the social background of the community and the organization at gypsum plant in the USA in 1950 where this strike occurred. It traces the lines of authority and communication between management, foremen and workers and analyses the clique groupings of the men in the plant. The author reports on what individuals thought of their jobs, their supervisors and their associates. With this background, it is possible to understand the specific events which led to the instigation and spread of the wildcat strike – to see what touched it off, how it could have been avoided and how it had to be settled. The book concentrates on the physical, emotional and social conditions which caused the strike and from this study draw conclusions pointing toward a general theory of group tensions. This classic book will be of interest to those studying the history of industrial relations.

Full Product Details

9781041221890

Table of Contents

Reviews

Original Review of Wildcat Strike: ‘The book offers careful analysis of the strike…’ Harold L. Wilensky, American Journal of Sociology Volume 61, No. 1

Author Information

Alvin W. Gouldner (1920–1980) was a prominent American sociologist renowned for his contributions to the study of social theory and organizational sociology. Best known for his critical perspectives on the relationship between social structure and individual agency, Gouldner’s work challenged conventional views of bureaucracy, power, and authority. His influential texts, such as The Coming Crisis of Western Sociology (1970) and Patterns of Industrial Bureaucracy (1954), critiqued the dominant paradigms of sociology, advocating for a more reflexive and critical approach to understanding social institutions. Gouldner’s interdisciplinary approach and emphasis on the dynamic interplay between theory and practice left a lasting legacy in the field.

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