Resistance to Inequality

The research stream focuses on the study of worker resistance to inequality through long term studies on labour strikes. As no standardized method for the study of strikes and strike waves exists currently, the research aims to refine and further develop strike methodology to test for the presence of turning point in strike waves. Consequently, the central concern to this research is the temporality of turning point strike waves in South Africa and internationally. The research requires scrutiny of both the quantitative and qualitative aspects of strikes and strike waves to capture the relevant dimensions of their various underlying factors in order to reveal their causal dynamics and structural effects. The objective of the research is to contribute to the theorisation of the strike phenomenon, labour history, political economy, strike statistics, and comparative studies in social conflict from a Southern perspective. The research contributes to the Future of Works programme through understanding the extent to which resistance to inequality contributes to the reshaping of work, public policy and social change.

This research stream is coordinated by Dr Eddie Cottle