What does syndicalism mean?
Syndicalism is a political theory that places organized workers, especially in unions and workplaces, at the center of social change. It differs from ordinary unionism by proposing that unions should do more than bargain for higher wages: they should exercise direct control over production and, in influential radical versions, replace state authority and capitalist economic relations. The term is most closely associated with late-19th- and early-20th-century revolutionary movements, including industrial syndicalism and anarcho-syndicalism. Syndicalists generally valued direct action, workplace self-management, and small-scale, decentralized organization. The word is still used in historical and political studies, but it is less common in everyday discussion. Its enduring significance lies in showing how the idea of a union could expand from an economic association into a broad model for reorganizing society.
nounSyndicalism is a political theory and movement that emphasizes workers’ organizations, especially trade unions, as the principal means of economic and social change. It is closely associated with revolutionary industrial unionism and decentralized, self-directed forms of organization.
- A political theory and movement advocating the organization of workers into self-governing trade unions and the use of these organizations as the primary means of social and economic transformation.
"The movement drew support from workers who saw syndicalism as an alternative to parliamentary politics."
"Syndicalists argued that workers should control the factories through directly organized unions."
"The essayist examined syndicalism as an alternative to both parliamentary socialism and individualist anarchism."
Syndicalism put the workplace at the center of political life, treating unions not merely as negotiating bodies but as potential foundations for a new society.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does syndicalism come from?
Syndicalism comes from French syndicalisme, a term formed in the 19th century from Latin syndicus, meaning an advocate, representative, or official acting for others. The underlying root is Greek, combining syn- (“together”) with dikē (“right” or “justice”), and the associated English word syndicate reflects the same Latin tradition. The French term was adopted into English during the period of expanding labor movements and revolutionary industrial organization.
Related word forms
How syndicalism is actually used
The term is chiefly historical and academic. It usually refers to a revolutionary form of labor politics rather than ordinary trade-union activity, and its meaning can vary according to the movement or writer being discussed.
Easily confused with syndicalism
Unionism generally refers to support for trade unions and their collective-bargaining goals, whereas syndicalism is a more specific political theory in which unions are intended to replace or transform state and capitalist institutions.