Chapter 6: Marxian and Institutional Industrial Relations in the United States

Michael Hillard

Marxian and institutional industrial relations in the United States This chapter presents industrial relations (IR)—the study of the capitalist employment relationship, with particular emphasis on employer/worker or “capital-labor” conflict. The field originated a century ago in the United States, maintaining an intellectual tradition and historical experience distinct from IR in other nations. The field was almost a purely American tradition until after World War II, when it was promoted and exported to Europe and developing countries, with U.S. cold war foreign policy an important impetus. The intellectual landscape and character of IR in other nations, with Britain a singular example with its heavy Marxist influence, is completely distinct and beyond the scope of this chapter. Kaufman (2004) provides a useful global history of IR. Two IR schools of thought are summarized—the original, institutional tradition of industrial relations (or ILE/IR for institutional labor economics/industrial relations) and Marxian-derived modern political economy, It ...

Users without subscription are not able to see the full content on this title. Please, subscribe or login to access all content on this website.

• Buy The Book