Bravermania and Beyond: Recent Theories of the Labour Process

Braverman and his followers have been useful and influential in reviving a sociology of work. However as well as stimulating debate, the Braverman model has also created impediments to further analysis. This paper discusses some of these limitations and argues that, in part, they result from a particular reading of Marx which neglects crucial Marxian categories. In part, they result from weaknesses and ambiguities in Marxian theory. The second part of the paper focuses on the concept of control, and makes a plea for a revival of interest in the pre-Braverman sociology of the workplace. It is suggested that such work conjoined with that of recent theorists provides a more adequate basis for a theory of capitalist labour processes.