ABSTRACT
In this final chapter, the editors reflect on the cross-cutting lessons of the volume and outline the way forward for power resource research. The chapter develops further the concepts of labour politics and the labour-politics nexus to pinpoint where power resources theory may be most adequately applied. Where classical power resources theory placed much emphasis on the development of the welfare state and its redistributive functions, a contemporary focus should also include workplace struggles, the employment relationship, and how these contributes to the shaping of redistributive inequalities as well as the broader political economy these are embedded in. Moreover, the relevance of labour politics in contemporary capitalist societies is discussed. While labour politics has gained less scholarly attention over the last decade, we argue that it has an enduring relevance and that workers’ power still matters. We thus further situate power resource theory in contemporary scholarly debates about the developments in advanced capitalism. Finally, the chapter summarises key findings from the book's chapters and uses these to outline key questions and challenges that should be on the top of a power resource research agenda.
