On the Relationship between Social Science, Participation Processes and Changes in Industrial Work in Germany

The following contribution to this debate should be understood as originating from the viewpoint of a scientist associated with the trade unions, who from the beginning of the 1970's was closely involved in both the conceptual and the practical development of the themes which can best be jointly described as the Humanization of Work (in German "Humanisierung der Arbeit", or HdA). The German Federal Government's action program of the same name, dating from 1974, and a series of related publications (published by Campus) have provided unique insights into the complexity of workplace restructuring schemes which are still forthcoming. In my discussion I will concentrate on the problems of the achievement of new goals, using the example of humanization and work structuring, and the challenges associated therewith for trade unions, companies and social sciences, but I shall only be able to touch peripherally on the role of the state.