Winning and Losing in Flexible Labour Markets: the Formation and Operation of Networks of Interdependence in the UK Film Industry

Abstract

Employing the Eliasian concepts of figuration and networked agency, this article explores the responses to labour market uncertainty of freelancers working in the British film industry.Arguing that labour process theory has yet to adequately theorize a contextualized agent, Elias’ framework is proposed as a resolution, with the concept of figuration providing a more agential notion of structure while retaining power inequalities in relationships.Tensions are also identified in the framework, in particular with reference to Elias’ treatment of the individualization process, and these will require further exploration of the two frameworks to assess compatibility.