A New Approach to Understanding Union Identities

Abstract

This chapter explains the construction and operationalisation of a new approach to understanding union identities and niche union identity based upon a multidimensional framework of analysis. It explains the methodology used to gather data in support of this approach and the limitations of the research together with the epistemological approach. It outlines the process through which the sources of union identity emerged both deductively from the extant literature and inductively through analysis of data on observable characteristics in order to construct the multidimensional framework. It explains the significance of primary and secondary sources of union identity which relates to unions’ membership territories, together with additional sources indicating other significant components of union identity. The chapter also considers alternatives to the multidimensional framework, arguing that it is superior to either the rigidity of categorisation or the limitations of a one-dimensional continuum.