Argument Quote by Duncan Green
“The post-Second World War simple system of social democracy and organized labour has fragmented massively, but just because people aren't organized in workplace trade unions doesn't mean they aren't in associations with other people - work-based, place-based, culture-based, sport-based, faith-based - there's a bit of an old rainbow coalition argument.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Lecture on post‑war social democracy, 2015
The decline of traditional labour unions has been offset by diverse new forms of association, creating a broad coalition of interests.
In simple terms: Unions fell, but many other groups now unite people.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and engage with non‑work based associations.
Themes
social democracy
labour
community
political coalitions
Mood
optimistic
analytical
Type
political
sociological
When to use this quote
- political organizing
- community building
- policy advocacy
Key Concepts
collective action
social capital
fragmentation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can new associations influence policy?
- What roles should unions play today?
A Different Perspective
Traditional union power still matters for wage bargaining.
![“Some kinds of activists are more willing to try stuff out, see if works and think on their feet, but some of the people who are working on [change] find that very difficult: They've been schooled into thinking you have to come up with the perfect plan in advance. It has become a bit technocratic.” quote by Duncan Green](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d17/duncan-green-20105_activist_some-kinds-of-activists-are-more-willing_57391.jpg)
