Scrutinising Polarisation: Patterns and Consequences of Occupational Transformation in the Swedish Labour Market
本书研究了自1990年代以来瑞典劳动力市场的极化趋势，分析数字技术和新自由主义政策如何导致高技能和低技能岗位需求增加、中等技能岗位减少，并探讨了工会角色、社会安全及政策应对。
Since the 1990s, changes within the labour market in Sweden have taken place with a clear trend towards polarization resulting in a significant alteration in the structure of occupations and organization of work, etc. The book presents an in-depth understanding of how the impact of digital technologies and neoliberal policies have contributed to developing patterns of employment and the escalation of social polarization. As noted, the demand for high-skilled occupations has seemingly increased alongside the demand for lower skilled occupations; likewise, there is a declining increase in work opportunities associated with medium-skilled occupations. The book also provides a clear framing of polarization by differentiating it from inequality, while also examining and re-examining the parameters from the predominantly Fordist economic model of the twentieth century to the current neoliberal or deregulated markets model of development. The book provides an examination of the transformation and polarization that has occurred in the Swedish labour market since the 1990s, considering the effects of occupations and the structuring of occupations on some social groups and organizations. The book also sees the impact of digital technology, and changes prompted by neoliberal policies that are observed in employment structures in developed industrialized nations to incite ‘social polarization’. This has seen demand for high-skilled occupations and low-skilled occupations, yet the growing availability of demand for medium-skilled occupations has diminished. The book also provides a framing of polarization and distinctly separates it from inequality noting that polarization is characterized as homogeneous within social groups, like the skilled occupations and the unskilled occupation and heterogeneous across social groups. This phenomenon may occur even in societies where inequality is relatively low. The book reviews the historical changes in the labour market, identifying a shift from Fordist production models that supported the middle class to a post-Industrial era characterized by neoliberalism and deregulated markets. The research underscores the significance of intellectual, cognitive, emotional and interpersonal skills in contemporary work, particularly in female-dominated professions, where these factors may profoundly influence individuals' perceptions of occupational prestige. In this publication, the rising flexibility and segmentation of the labour market are thoroughly investigated. It elucidates how corporate HR strategies and policy developments have embraced the increasing use of temporary contracts and precarious employment. The role of digitalization is foregrounded, showing that advances in technology improve efficiency, which can increase the demand for labour, particularly for non-traditional work from both highly skilled and low-skilled workers. The text also addresses the significant challenges unions face in regard to mobilizing and engaging in collective bargaining, in part because the thinking about retaliation, such as losing or not renewing contracts is a significant issue here. The research highlights the crucial role of unions in defending workers' rights, particularly those who work in precarious jobs. Labour sociology often looks at how social institutions, such as unions, can coordinate and leverage management power to defend wages, job security and working conditions. Nonetheless, the diminishing union membership, especially among blue-collar workers, greatly inhibits worker solidarity and strength. The book discusses the interplay between precarious employment and managerial control, accentuating how short-term contracts exacerbate workers' vulnerabilities to exploitation and retaliation. Labour sociology examines how these employment conditions deepen social inequality, particularly affecting marginalized groups with lower educational attainment and income. Although the book does not delve deeply into it, labour sociology frequently studies the impacts of digitalization and neoliberalism on the labour market, suggesting that these forces may contribute to employment polarization, increasing the proportion of high-skilled and low-skilled jobs, while medium-skilled positions gradually disappear, ultimately exacerbating social stratification and economic inequality. From a perspective of social security, this book particularly emphasizes the safety and health risks present in the workplace. A survey conducted by the transportation workers' union indicates that many couriers encounter violence at work, including personal attacks and threats involving firearms. The growing peril of violence is increasingly recognized as an important problem in social security, threatening not only the health and safety of workers but also their mental wellness and job satisfaction. The authority of the Swedish Work Environment Authority, particularly their use of fines for unreported events, demonstrates the vital function regulators can serve in improving safety standards and regulatory compliance. The success of regulators in improving conditions is vital to social security, as it indicates that businesses are therefore responsible for both workers' health and safety. Viewed through the lens of social security, strengthening social insurance to compensate for workers' sick leave and work-related injuries is especially important in alleviating the economic burdens faced by individuals and society as a whole. Additionally, the influence of labour market policies suggests that transitioning towards a work-oriented welfare model, prioritizing employment over welfare provision may compel individuals to engage in unsafe or low-paying jobs. This further impacts social security, undermining workers' bargaining power and increasing their vulnerability. It highlights the necessity of formulating policies that balance employment incentives with adequate safety and welfare protections. In summary, by integrating perspectives from labour sociology and social security, discussions surrounding changes in the labour market should extend beyond economic and technological factors to consider the impacts of social policies and labour organizations. A comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted effects of these changes on various social groups will facilitate the development of a more equitable, inclusive and resilient labour market structure.