‘An Indissoluble Mutual Destiny’: The North Staffordshire Potteries and the Limits of Regional Trade Associationalism
Organization Studies · 2005 · Volume 26 · Issue 12
Abstract
Focusing on the North Staffordshire Potteries in the later 19th century, this paper explores the role of formal trade associations in the governance of industrial districts. Contrary to the ‘ideal-typical’ model of the industrial district, we find that associationalism is not always a formal expression of an informal spirit of cooperation. However, the case also suggests that associations can be difficult to establish in large, complex industrial districts. In particular, the failure of associationalism in the Potteries is traced to interlinked economic, industrial and social variables.
Keywords
regional trade associations, industrial districts, cooperation and governance
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