To What Extent Does the Ideological Construct of Collectivism Continue to Govern the British Trade Union and Labour Movement?

This project addresses the issue of declining collectivism within the British labour movement. This paper will argue that recent changes in the structures of capitalism – such as flexible labour markets, belligerent state relations and private sector expansion – have successfully individualised the functionality of the labour movement. As a result of these developments the ability for trade unions to develop a collectivist social identity has been hindered, leading them to apply increasingly individualised strategies. Similarly, due to these changes, the British Labour Party has altered its traditional collectivist position leading to an erosion of the party-union relationship. Data has been drawn from secondary research accompanied by qualitative interviews to assess participants’ understanding of an ideological shift. It is concluded that trade unions will need to apply the dimensions of collectivism to a supply side environment by devolving democratic procedures and increasing democratic participation to modernise their activity.