ABSTRACT
Analysis of the decision-making process on collective action can enrich our understanding of the relation between structural change and trade union reaction. One can derive two contradicting predictions about cooperation based solely on the structural factors. Although I am critical of studies based on the rational choice assumption, it must be stressed that my criticism refers to their methodological side, and not the theory as such. In fact, my study is consistent with rational choice theory. Nevertheless, the academic debate can be developed by introducing more empirical research on the decision-making process. Process-tracing is both consistent with rational choice theory and can also enrich the findings (George and Bennet 2005: 208). The method of case studies and process-tracing can be very useful for black-box theories in general (ibid: 200). In this chapter the analytical framework for analysis of the cases will be
elaborated. The first subchapter contextualizes the research project within the research tradition of rational choice theory. It will also introduce the mechanism approach, which constitutes the general analytical frame of the book. The general frame of the macro-micro-macro mechanisms will be further developed based on insights from social movement research, conceptualization of solidarity and theory linking market integration and the reaction to it on the side of society. This combined framework will shed more light on the elements of the action formation process and link the structure to the action. First, I will present the situational mechanisms, which are the same structural changes that bring other scholars to predict competitive solidarity. I will present a theory by Polányi, who has a different take on the way that society reacts to those changes. Furthermore, my conceptualization will take the opportunity structure for the representation of the workers’ interests into account, which will help us to understand the change of trade union strategy over time. The subsequent section will elaborate on different mechanisms at the cognitive level that bring actors to commit to collective action. Defining solidarity as an action and not an attitude broadens the conceptualization of the factors responsible for the choice of solidarity instead of competition. It highlights the importance of relations between the actors. The next subchapter will point to transformational mechanisms, which are crucial for the
actual action that occurs between the actors. The last subchapter will account for the vertical dimension of transnational solidarity by conceptualizing on vertical mobilization, such as organizational structure and frame alignment. One needs to consider the European trade union movement as a vertically structured organization where the interests are mediated from the top level to the level of the workers. The following should be treated as a framework of categories for an explorative analysis or a coding frame and not a deductive model. Its aim is to broaden the analytical reservoir in order to understand the character of transnational European solidarity.
