| Summary: | As a topic, workers’ subjectivity has often been studied in sociology. Some approaches emphasize analyses revolving around concepts such as involvement, identity and the meaning of work, considering that workers entertain a realistic and genuine relationship with their activity. In such cases, they might be construed as manifesting a modicum of clairvoyance vis à vis the situations they find themselves in, taking a step back and using this to express criticism. Conversely, other approaches apprehend subjectivity in terms of ideology, manipulation and even alienation, asserting that it constitutes a leading vehicle for capitalist domination. In this view, workers are tricked and blinded by this relationship of domination, which becomes all the more effective as a result. The present issue of « Controversies » participates in this debate by taking the views held by three sociologists of work and comparing their stances – and research engagement – towards worker subjectivity.
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