Mapping Unionism in Latin America
A Proposal for Measuring Union Power
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 3050447 |
|---|---|
| Authors | R M Medel (0000-0002-6610-3809, Universidad Andres Bello, corresponding author), Sebastián Osorio Lavin (0000-0001-6400-7947) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 67 |
| Issue | 4 |
| Pages | 1-21 |
| Publication date | 2025-07-31 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Latin American Politics and Society (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1531-426X • E-ISSN: 1548-2456 |
| Publisher | Cambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1017/lap.2025.10018 |
| OpenAlex | W4412777821 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 40 |
This study introduces a novel approach to measuring the evolution of union power in Latin America. Using an original dataset covering ten dimensions of union activity across 17 countries from 1990 to 2020, it addresses shortcomings in prior research based on overly broad indicators or narrow case studies. In line with the specialized literature, factor analysis identifies four distinct dimensions of union power-associational, structural, institutional, and societal-each showing unique variation across countries. Hierarchical cluster analysis reveals four ideal types: (1) strongly embedded unionism, with robust associational and institutional strength (Argentina, Uruguay); (2) social movement unionism, marked by strong societal alliances but limited institutional access (e.g., Bolivia, Ecuador); (3) bureaucratic and isolated unionism, with institutional integration but weak societal mobilization (Brazil, Chile, Mexico); and (4) low-intensity unionism, prevalent in Central America. Correlation analyses reveal complex interactions among these dimensions. The study provides new empirical and conceptual tools to advance comparative research on labor movements in the region
Latin Americans · Political science · International Labor and Employment Law · Labor Movements and Unions · Law · Social Policy and Reform Studies
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Labor Unions, Partisan Coalitions, and Market Reforms in Latin America
Varieties of Unionism
Trade Unions in Western Europe
The Power Resources Approach
Accounting for the Decline of Unions in the Private Sector, 1973–1998
The Social Foundations of Structural Power
Rethinking trade union density
Analyzing Documentary Accounts
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Power Resources Approach vs. Action and Conflict
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The Rise of Segmented Neo-Corporatism in South America
Bridging the Qualitative-Quantitative Divide
The Mobilization of Opposition to Economic Liberalization
Positional Power, Strikes and Wages
Financialization, Technological Change, and Trade Union Decline
Mapping Unionism in Latin America
Organized Labor Strikes and Social Spending in Latin America
Incorporación de los sectores obreros al proceso de desarrollo
Latin America
The Politics of Labor Reform in Latin America
Politization in Labor Conflict
Breaking the Iron Law of Oligarchy
Resource Mobilization and Social Movements
Working-Class Power, Capitalist-Class Interests, and Class Compromise
A Multidimensional Approach to Measuring Quality of Employment (QoE) Deprivation in Six Central American Countries
| Citations per year | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2025 - 2025 (1) |
| Highly cited | No |