The 'Classroom Hypothesis' and Individualization

Abstract

Empirical studies of the 1970s and 1980s have verified Pateman's classical 'classroom hypothesis' on the relationship between conditions at work, participation in workplace democracy and ordinary democratic participation. However, a contemporary Scandinavian study questions such positive relationship. In this light it is the objective of this article to analyse whether the tendency to increased individualization among employees a significant trend in the industrialized countries in recent years affects the classroom hypothesis with a view to modifying the relationship between the various elements of the hypothesis. The analysis is based on comprehensive survey studies comprising members of trade unions affiliated to the Danish Federation of Trade Unions (LO). It is argued that the classroom hypothesis is valid for the coliectivistic orientated members but not for the individualistic.