Power dynamics at work: An ethnography of a multilingual metal foundry in the Dutch-German borderland

Cover Omslag, Power dynamics at work, Daan Hovens
© CBS
Dissertation on power dynamics and language diversity in a multilingual metal foundry in the Dutch-German border region, examining the impact of temporary work relations, language diversity, and communication between workers and machines.

This dissertation explores the power dynamics and language diversity in a multilingual metal foundry situated in the Dutch-German border region. It examines how workers from various linguistic backgrounds, including Dutch, German, Polish, and Arabic, navigate communication challenges in the workplace, particularly considering temporary work relations.

The study highlights that language diversity was not the main issue for workers, but rather temporary employment relationships and difficulties understanding machines were more significant obstacles to effective communication and learning in the workplace.

Hovens, D. (2021). Power dynamics at work: An ethnography of a multilingual metal foundry in the Dutch-German borderland. Dissertation, Maastricht University, doi:10.26481/dis.20211014dh.