A microsociological perspective on work life

Abstract

Based on the LO-investigation Gendered wage negotiations, the article focuses on the potentials which micro analyses contain in relation to developing thorough and multifaceted knowledge about concealed relations of power, social relations and inequalities in work life. At the same time it is stressed that a multiplicity of different methods could be deployed to establish a more thorough knowledge of the internal conditions of work places. This is illustrated in the investigation by the application of a combination of field work, observations and interviews which led to profound insights in the processes behind the wage negotiations. The analyses presented in the article contribute to demonstrating how a multiplicity of different empirical methods can be mutually supplementary and accommodating in relation to building a manifold and faceted knowledge about social processes on a micro-sociological level. So the article illustrates that it is essential to develop and prioritize the micro-sociological analyses which can focus on the informal discrimination factors and unveil the stereotype perceptions of gender that are still activated both directly and indirectly at the negotiation table.