Language in the process of labour market rationalisation: A sociohistorical approach across twentieth-century Spain

Identifier:  imarina:9280697

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/imarina9280697

Authors:  Alarcon Alarcon, Amado; Serrano Alonso, Maria de los Angeles; Heyman, Josiah

Abstract:
This article analyses the role of linguistic skills in the process of defining professional classifications in Spain during 1919-1980. The aim is to determine the social evaluation of the skills involved. To retrace the classifications, a total of 114 official documents were examined, establishing a chronological division into three major stages: 1920-1940, 1940-1960 and 1960-1980. The first period (1920-1940) shows efforts toward the initial objectification of working conditions and salary scales, revealing social prejudices and tacit conventions shaping the employment hierarchy, while the second one (1940-1960) indicates the extent to which office work stood out over manual work. Finally, the third stage (1960-1980) shows processes of language rationalisation, which entailed attempts to standardise positions based on required skill sets.