Mapping the intellectual labour process

Abstract

The sociology of intellectuals needs analysis of the intellectual labour force. A survey of 500 intellectual workers identified three distinct dimensions of the labour process: involvement with technology, autonomy, and involvement in the organizational world. Clear differences between institutional sectors negate the `convergence' thesis. A degree of proletarianization in the intellectual work-force occurs, but only in limited groups. An alternative pattern of marginalization is associated with non-standard employment conditions. Workplace egalitarianism and extensive connectedness are found, but are not linked, partly disconfirming the `democratization' thesis. Autonomy emerges as a key issue within a collective labour process. The data emphasize the importance of the organizational context of intellectual labour. Directions for a new understanding of intellectuals and cultural politics are identified.

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