Unions once functioned as networks of reciprocity, not merely bargaining agents

Evidence

Although unions, like other voluntary associations, have often been plagued by oligarchy, apathy, and corruption, historically they both created and depended upon social capital—that is, networks of reciprocity. By the end of the twentieth century, however, this once central element in the social life of working Americans had virtually vanished. The solidarity of union halls is now mostly a fading memory of aging men. — Robert D. Putnam, Bowling Alone The Collapse and Revival…, 263

Categorization

• SEED: A column or essay on the shift from unions-as-social-movement to unions-as-hired-bargaining-agents, and what the emotional economy of the union hall supplied that HR departments never replaced.
• XREF: connects to: Union decline reflects weakened attachment to membership itself, not unions specifically — Robert D. Putnam, Bowling Alone The Collapse and Revival…, 267; Early industrial market capitalism depended on reciprocal bonds with workers and communities — Shoshana Zuboff, The Age of Surveillance Capitalism, 98; Small communities enforce generalized reciprocity rather than one-on-one exchange — Russell Hardin, Trust and Trustworthiness, 821 (+1 more)

Broader Connections

• Early industrial market capitalism depended on reciprocal bonds with workers and communities #corroborates (0.78) — Shoshana Zuboff, The Age of Surveillance Capitalism, 98
• Reciprocity motivations can be self-reinforcing where further interactions are plentiful #expands (0.75)
• Small communities enforce generalized reciprocity rather than one-on-one exchange #expands (0.72) — Russell Hardin, Trust and Trustworthiness, 821