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Language gender differences at work have been widely described though hardly measured. The object of this study is whether there are gender differences in the use of language skills at work and what those differences are. A gender gap measure of linguistic skills used at work is presented and computed for 21 countries using data from the first round of the Survey of Adult Skills (n = 109 695). On the basis of the 21st-century literacy needs at work approach, we compound five one-skill indicators: use of oral skills, use of reading skills, use of writing skills, use of numeracy skills, and use of ICT skills. Gender differences are quantified in relative terms controlling for occupations’ gross categories. We provide a piece of evidence for a language gender gap at work in favor of men for all language skills analyzed; there are, however, differences by country and occupational categories.

This special issue contributes to understanding the role of language division of labour across occupations. The articles contribute to sociological understanding and critical dialogue with a human capital perspective in the context of the information society, where language has a central role in production processes. Since information as raw material and product is linguistically encoded, language occupies a central role in new forms of division of labour. The main question in this introduction and subsequent articles is to what extent social changes of information centrality at the production level reproduce or create new social inequalities observable through the lens of language division of labour within occupations. Although progress has been made in knowledge about competencies in the information and digital environment, little is known about specific linguistic needs across occupational classifications. Given the widespread use of alphabetization, literacy is today taken as a sine qua non for entering labour markets, instead of a stratifier across occupations and social structure. Nevertheless, in this special issue authors show that language of origin, second-language knowledge, and other literacies, such as communicative skills, become key stratifier factors. This is observable at the territorial level, types of literacies, as well as in specific and sophisticated language professions.

Skills that are difficult to automate are expected to increase in demand and reward according to skill-biased technological change advocates, who have identified high rewards for cognitive and social skills. However, such broad skill categories involve numerous essential competencies that can be differentially rewarded or go simply unrewarded. Using US data, this article analyses the demand for and payment of linguistic competency, a cross-cutting kind of skill that is basic for both cognitive and social work in the new economy and is one of the human capacities that is most difficult to automate. While human capital theory predicts an increase in wages as the demand for linguistic skills rises, from cultural/institutional perspectives, it can be theorised that communicative abilities and foreign-language knowledge are socially undervalued because of their association with feminised activities, ethnicity, and low-status service jobs. We analyse the demand and reward for linguistic skills through a two-step analysis of occupational and individual data derived from two sources: the Occupational Information Network and the Current Population Survey. Results show that while ‘hard’ verbal-reasoning skills are associated with high average salaries, as is predicted by neoclassical theory, the potentially undervalued linguistic skills – interactive and multilingual skills – are unrewarded and even penalised. This evidence requires further political attention, given its implications for large number of workers, especially in feminised, low-status service jobs. JEL Codes: J01, J23, J24, J31, J38

There is ample evidence that immigrants are at a disadvantage in the labour market. Previous studies show that discrimination and devaluation are important factors in explaining why immigrants are ...

The article shows how linguistic criteria have become central when defining job categories in the outsourced call centre sector in Spain. Language occupies a central role in the production processes of informational capitalism: in call centres, language functions as the raw material, scripts as tools and conversations as a product. Yet the ways in which linguistic production affects key elements of job categories have received little attention. Drawing on in‐depth interviews in the call centre sector, the analysis of scripts and collective agreements, this article shows how trade unions and workers are pushing to adapt Fordist arguments based on job autonomy to informational production, arguing that job categories may depend on linguistic autonomy from the scripts during the labour process.

This article analyzes the relationship between geographic mobility of Europeans and linguistic knowledge with special incidence on the exchange value of their mother tongue in the countries of destination. We make this analysis taking three groups of European workers of Catalonia as units of analysis, well differentiated in linguistic and labour terms. The analysed groups are: a) industrial workers from Rumania; b) german expatriates, also known as «euroexecutives», and c) Young Europeans with university degrees. These groups allow us to observe the effect of new professional situations linked to the European economic integration process and its relationship with linguistic competences. We conclude arguing that geographic mobility increases the exchange value of their languages for the most qualified groups of workers, with competences associated with information management and knowledge creation. On the other side, geographic mobility does not necessarily imply a positive valuation of the linguistic competences with which these workers contribute to the recipient labour markets, as derives from the analyses of the Rumanian population group., En este artículo se analiza la relación entre movilidad geográfica de los europeos y conocimientos lingüísticos haciendo especial incidencia en el valor de cambio de su lengua materna en los países de destino. Realizamos el análisis tomando como unidades de análisis a tres grupos de trabajadores europeos en Cataluña con una situación lingüística y laboral bien diferenciada. Los grupos analizados son: a) operarios industriales procedentes de Rumanía; b) expatriados alemanes, también denominados «euroejecutivos», y c) jóvenes europeos con titulación universitaria. Estos grupos nos permiten observar el efecto de las nuevas situaciones profesionales vinculadas al proceso de integración económica europea y su relación con sus competencias lingüísticas. Concluimos argumentando que la movilidad geográfica aumenta el valor de cambio de sus idiomas para los grupos de trabajadores más cualificados, con competencias asociadas a la gestión de la información y la creación de conocimiento. Por otra parte, la movilidad geográfica no implica necesariamente una valoración positiva de las competencias lingüísticas aportadas a los mercados de trabajo receptores, tal y como se deriva del análisis realizado sobre el grupo de población rumana.

One of the most influential factors in the future access to the labour market of a young descendant of migrants is their occupational aspirations. Sociodemographic, socio-cultural, and socioprofessional family elements or knowledge of languages are key in their formation. But in bilingual societies like Catalonia, the symbolism associated with languages is an added complexity. Thus, this article aims to analyse the influence and predictive power of linguistic knowledge and linguistic acculturation profiles on occupational aspirations, using a questionnaire completed by 205 young people of African, European, and Latin Americanorigin in Lleida. The findings indicate that better knowledge of Catalan and a profile of linguistic acculturation which emphasises this language predict above-mean occupational aspirations. Knowledge of Spanish has an unclear role and a profile prioritising Spanish is a negative predictor. We conclude that language knowledge becomes a resource 'through' its symbolic value, questioning theories postulating that multilingualism always allows/facilitates access to better occupations. This work was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness; under Grant EDU2017-82479-R; Agency for Management of University and Research Grants –AGAUR of the Government of Catalonia under Grant 2017 SGR 322; and RecerCaixa program -Obra Social la Caixa and ACUP under Grant 2016ACUP00020

This paper analyzes language integration from an intergroup-relations’ perspective, using the social identity approach and socio-contextual model of second language acquisition. It focuses on the evolution of language attitudes in adolescents as an indicator of cultural integration between the two major language groups in Catalonia. The distinctive features of the Catalan case − the similar ethnolinguistic vitality enjoyed by the two official languages and the widespread bilingualism that common schooling has fostered − make it of great sociolinguistic interest. The empirical study focuses on the development of language attitudes towards Catalan and Spanish by using a panel sample of Catalan students (N = 1050) followed for a period of five years (three waves). Joint trajectory clustering was used to make a longitudinal analysis that shows the main patterns of coevolution. Logistic regression relates changes to other linguistic, identity and sociodemographic variables. Results show that there are three main types of change in attitudes: a majority one, whith a profile of integration, and two others, which tend to separation. The direct effects of language confidence and ethnonational identity are found to explain the likelihood of individuals following one of these types of change.

There is growing institutional and social pressure for greater balance, parity, and equality at the highest levels of corporations. This is coupled with an increasing interest in analysing the effects of gender diversity on corporate boards. However, companies may only reap the benefits of gender diversity by achieving better qualified and more independent boards. This study aims to contribute to the open debate on the effects of board gender diversity on R&amp, D, by taking into account the independence of female directors. Panel regression analyses were performed with data for 67 Spanish-listed companies during the 2003–2019 period. Our results confirm the positive effects of gender diversity on R&amp, D. However, this positive influence is lower if female directors have family links with male members on the board. These findings have policy implications, regarding the need to increase gender equality in corporate boards for social and sustainability purposes, while the benefits are conditioned by the independence of female directors. The value of this research rests on the study of the effects, beyond the mere analysis of financial performance of the gender diversity of boards.

DOI: 10.1177/0276146715619653 URL: http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0276146715619653 Filiació URV: SI Memòria This article explores the notion of consumer empowerment in ethical consumption communities, known as responsible consumption communities (RCCs) in Spain. Although consumer empowerment has previously been discussed in the ethical consumer field, mainly in relation to notions of voting in the marketplace, it has yet to be explored thoroughly. In particular, the concept of empowerment should be moved beyond an individualized lens of analysis, acknowledging connectedness of persons. A combination of qualitative techniques was employed, including focus groups, in-depth interviews, observation, and documentary analysis. Our empirical case shows that consumer empowerment should be understood not in relation to consumption, but in relation to new forms of social organizing and experimentation that emerge around consumption.

Using the first wave of Longitudinal Study of the Second Generation (ILSEG in its Spanish acronym), this study examines the determinants of educational and occupational expectations among the children of immigrants in Barcelona in Catalonia, Spain. With over one-in-four births in Catalonia belonging to foreign-born mothers, the multi-ethnicisation of the youngest segments of the Catalan population has become a demographic reality. We present a series of hypotheses about the key determinants of educational and occupational expectations based on the predictions of segmented assimilation theory, which we test through a series of multivariate regression analyses. By and large, our findings confirm the main propositions of this theory. A particularly interesting finding is that, although previous research suggests that mastery of the Catalan language is crucial for achieving social mobility in Barcelona, our findings show that knowledge of Spanish appears to be a stronger predictor of educational and occupatio...

This article analyses the role of language in the intra- and intergenerational social mobility of Argentinean, Colombian and Moroccan immigrants in Catalonia, an officially bilingual society. We start from the notion that the knowledge and use of and attachment to local languages are affected by the range and importance of opportunities for social mobility offered by the host society. Empirical evidence is based on 45 biographical interviews with members of first generation immigrant groups and their children (raised in Catalonia and currently living outside the family home). We show that the attitudes towards and use of the Catalan language depend on expectations and constraints with regard to upward social mobility. This article questions the causal relationship between languages spoken and job opportunities, postulated by means of the theory of human capital whereby language is only considered as a competitive advantage on the basis of its communicative value.

Bilingual call centers in El Paso, Texas, an extensively bilingual US-Mexico border setting, provide a valuable opportunity to examine empirically what occurs with respect to language shift reversal of Spanish in the context of new information economy. Interviews were conducted with thirty-nine call center operators and managers, and twelve translators and interpreters. Call centers provide an important occupational performance of and recognition to the Spanish language. Nevertheless, bilingual call centers mainly rely on uncompensated, socially provided language skills in Spanish, a freely available “heritage language” in the border setting. Spanish is not valued as a technical competency, worth specific attention to training, management of language features, and extra compensation. Bilingualism is used in the labor market as a sign of cheap and flexible labor, rather than as economically and socially valued “skill,” even though in the new information workplace it serves the latter role. (Call centers, new economy, language and workplace, bilingualism, Spanish, borders)*

Este artículo analiza los mecanismos de mercado y las constricciones institucionales que condicionan la valoración y extensión social de la lengua española en El Paso (Texas, Estados Unidos). Los resultados se presentan a través del análisis de empresas y sectores de actividad caracterizados por una diferente intensidad lingüística del producto y del proceso productivo. Se realizaron entrevistas en profundidad observando que en los sectores de menor califi cación son frecuentes las prácticas y gestión de trabajo "solo en español". Los requisitos lingüísticos de conocimiento de español formal aparecen sólo en actividades muy concretas y profesionalizadas. Los sectores de demanda emergente en español, como los centros de atención de llamadas, optan por el español patrimonial como instrumento de trabajo y como forma de conseguir mano de obra abundante y barata.

Drawing on some preliminary findings of an ongoing research project on second-generation Argentinean migrants and their language use and social mobility in Catalonia, this paper focuses on the link between social mobility and ethnic mobilization. Using findings from interviews with migrants that came to Spain in the 1970s and 1980s as well as their children who have grown up in Spain, we demonstrate the degree of integration and labor market participation by both generations. Our research also emphasizes the roles political action and language learning play in their integration.

La Nueva Gestión Pública se ha convertido en el referente de numerosos países de la OCDE desde finales de la década de los 70. Así, se puede considerar que el fenómeno modernizador y de reforma del sector público ha alcanzado actualmente unas dimensiones que revelan la existencia de una antigua era burocrática en contraposición a la era postburocrática, en la que la reforma y modernización del sector conduce a un gobierno más económico y eficiente, con servicios de mayor calidad y programas más eficaces. En este sentido, en este artículo se exponen los nuevos conceptos y técnicas de gestión que se aplican para modernizar y transformar el sector público. Modernización que se concreta en el denominado Estado postburocrático y se legitima por el mejor control de los gastos públicos, el fortalecimiento de las relaciones de responsabilidad e incremento de la flexibilidad y la adaptabilidad. En este Estado, la Administración Pública ha de posicionarse ventajosamente y con eficacia en mercados agresivamente competitivos y en redes financieras internacionales. En este horizonte, todas aquellas instancias que median entre los individuos y sus relaciones económicas han de actuar a efectos de optimizar la eficiencia del sistema productivo. Por ello, la solución adoptada es situar tanta acción gubernamental como sea posible en los niveles más bajos, es decir, en los gobiernos locales, que ofrecerían mayor experimentación e innovación. A su vez, la descentralización se considera como una oportunidad de promover la competencia entre las dependencias gubernamentales. Los argumentos teóricos se sustentan en la respuesta local-regional al proceso de globalización (desarrollo endógeno y planificación estratégica) y las transformaciones en la gestión de recursos humanos en el seno de las Administraciones (gestión de la calidad y gestión por competencias).

En este artículo se analizan las estrategias de coordinación lingüística de cinco escenarios empresariales situados en Cataluña (España) afectados desigualmente por la movilidad de los factores de producción. Analizamos los regímenes lingüísticos de cada uno de estos escenarios, prestando especial atención a los criterios lingüísticos de selección y promoción de personal. A partir de los datos obtenidos establecemos dos tipologías de empresas en las que se enfatizan de forma diferenciada la eficacia comunicativa y el control de los recursos por medio de la discriminación lingüística. This article deals with the strategies of linguistic coordination of four business models located in Catalonia (Spain) unequally affected by the mobility of production factors. We analyze the linguistic regimes of each one of these models paying special attention to the linguistic criteria for personnel selection and promotion. Using the data collected, we establish two types of companies with differentiated strategies of control and communicative efficiency through practices of linguistic discrimination.

En este artículo se exponen los resultados de una investigación en la que hemos observado que las prácticas de outsourcing se encuentran ampliamente arraigadas en el sistema productivo local que hemos estudiado. Se trata de una práctica que alude a un elevado grado de interdependencia inter e intra sectorial, y que hace depender la producción de la organización en red. Red flexible que fomenta la creación de empresas y, por lo tanto, la dinamización del espíritu emprendedor. Por otra parte, la externalización de servicios se destaca por la pluralidad de las actividades subcontratadas y que constituye un componente esencial de las economías de localización y aglomeración, puesto que dotan al sistema productivo local de un amplio espectro de servicios especializados a la producción y la distribución, que van desde servicios intersectoriales de los que se puede beneficiar el conjunto de la industria, como por ejemplo servicios informáticos, jurídicos, financieros, de seguridad y de limpieza, hasta servicios que tienen su origen en las estrategias de externalización de las actividades características de cada subsector, en las que destacan las diferentes industrias auxiliares de cada subsector de actividad, como la industria auxiliar del mueble o servicios de socorrismo y lavandería en el caso de la industria hotelera, o las relaciones entre promotores, constructores y empresas de servicios a la construcción en el sector de la construcción.

Recent sociolinguistic research adds new economic sectors, such as the service economy, to the list of key forces that shape unequal, dynamic and complex diglossia (e.g., Spanish in the United States). However, little detailed work has been done on the linguistic characteristics of specific labor sectors in the wider contexts of ``debordering'' and ``rebordering''. In this article we develop in depth the market mechanisms and institutional constraints that shape the valuation and social expansion of Spanish in El Paso, Texas. The study finds that in sectors with low skills and low linguistic intensity, linguistic management policies are effectively ``Spanish-only''. However, as skills increase and there is a greater need for regulated communication in the occupational role, more constraints are observed on how Spanish functions in work use and professional careers.

This article analyzes the linguistic integration of the second generation of immigrants in Catalonia on the basis of the theory of segmented assimilation. The main objectives are to discover which factors help to determine the preference for the Catalan language (to the detriment of Spanish and the languages of origin) and the acquisition of written skills in Catalan among these young people. The sample comprises 3 578 descendants of foreign immigrants aged between 12 and 17. Various multivariable logistic regression models have been carried out on the basis of theoretically relevant predictors. The results of the analysis show that there are different itineraries for linguistic adaptation among the teenage children of immigrants, reflecting a linguistic segmentation. The text examines the theoretical and political implications of the results in the Catalan context. Este artículo analiza la integración lingüística de la segunda generación de inmigrantes en Cataluña a partir de la teoría de la asimilación segmentada. Los principales objetivos son conocer qué factores ayudan a determinar la preferencia por la lengua catalana -en detrimento de la castellana y las lenguas de origen- y la adquisición de competencias escritas en catalán entre estos jóvenes. La muestra la componen 3 578 descendientes de inmigrantes extranjeros entre 12 y 17 años. Se han efectuado diferentes modelos de regresión logística multivariable a partir de predictores teóricamente pertinentes. Los resultados del análisis muestran que hay distintos itinerarios de adaptación entre los adolescentes hijos de inmigrantes, lo que refleja una segmentación lingüística. El texto examina las implicaciones teóricas y políticas de los resultados en el contexto catalán.