Labor activism and community: causes and consequences of social integration in labor unions

The decline in U.S. labor union membership has compelled many unions to recruit socioeconomically diverse memberships which, ironically, may jeopardize member activism inside unions. This study of member activism in a diverse, state employee association shows that social integration affects activism and mediates the effects of individual predispositions and workplace experiences. This suggests that unions can increase member activism by undertaking community-building activities