Do new generations imply the end of solidarity? Swedish unionism in the era of individualization

The role of trade unions in modern society is challenge, partly by external factors but primarily by a threat from within the organizations. We argue that the processes of individualization and an increasing differentiation o f the workforce undermine unions' traditional forms of interest representat ion because different generations express differing relationships to the un ion movement. Questionnaire data from Swedish blue-collar workers are congr uent with our postulations that the older generations share the ideology an d mission of their unions while the young generation expresses more instrum ental union attitudes. The implications:of the conceptual arguments and emp irical findings are discussed with reference to union policy-making and the future roles of the trade unions.