Research subject Labour history

Human labour in various forms is a continuous aspect of history. In the Department, we study the organisation and practice of labour and work across different times and geographical contexts, focusing on the individuals involved and their living and working conditions.

We explore labour market relations, regulations and workers’ efforts to improve working conditions, both through trade unions and other forms of actions. As part of this, our research delves into gender aspects of work, unpaid labour, the boundary between paid work and leisure, slave trade as well as the distinctions between “free” and “unfree” labour. Additionally, we consider labour migration, internationalism, the role of employers and guilds, unemployment, labour market intermediaries and wage formation.