Introduction

Economic Expansion and Structural Change adhered closely to the declarations in favour of technical rationalization that had been made by a representative group of trade union leaders, in The Trade Union Movement and Modern Society. A more active industrial policy which will result in a more rapid structural transformation requiring greater capital mobility and labour mobility will create greater problems of worker adjustment. The strength of the Swedish trade union movement and its ability to play an important role not only as an interest group but also as an initiating force in the process of overall social change in Sweden are currently widely recognized. The positive approach of the Swedish trade unions to rationalization is thus well-documented and requires no further elaboration. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.