Social confidence in unions: a U.S.-Canada comparison

Can Rev Sociol. 2014 May;51(2):170-88. doi: 10.1111/cars.12041.

Abstract

This article examines changes in levels of social confidence in unions in Canada and the United States between 1982 and 2006 based on an analysis of the World Value Survey (WVS) data set. It considers why confidence rates are similar in the two countries, applying a logistic regression model to the two most recent WVS waves (i.e., 2000 and 2006) so as to bring out the effects of political and social differences on the propensity of individuals to trust unions in each national context. The results show similarities between the two countries (e.g., more progressive and younger citizens generally have greater confidence in unions), but also important distinctions (e.g., only in Canada do individuals with a working class profile appear to have greater confidence in unions).

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Canada
  • Humans
  • Labor Unions* / trends
  • Social Perception*
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • United States