Trade Unions and Political Equality

Abstract

In recent years democratic politics has come under threat in a number of Euro-Atlantic countries, as the wealthy have increasingly been able to influence political outcomes. This ‘oligarchic shift’ has led a number of theorists to consider how democratic structures might be redesigned to insulate them from the influence of the wealthy. As an alternative strategy, we suggest attend to the ‘associational background’ against which democratic politics take place, and in particular we argue that healthy and vibrant trade unions can play an important role in creating conditions for political equality. We examine a number of ways in which unions can play this role in creating the associational conditions for greater political equality, including through encouraging political participation; through acting as conduits for relevant information; by helping to shape the habits and attitudes of democratic citizens; by cementing partisan political alliances; and by providing alternative routes for elite political recruitment. Given these benefits, we argue that democratic states have reason to take a ‘promotive stance’ towards trade unions.