Abstract

This thesis is an ethnography of the labor movement at the American University in Cairo (AUC). I examine the major changes in the relationship between the workers and the university beginning in 2010. I first narrate the series of strikes that were carried out by the workers in October 2010, September 2011, and April 2012. Throughout this narration I analyze how contention and political opportunities define each strike's tactics and level of success. Additionally I look at how the strikes changed the way in which the workers can pursue grievances at the university. Second, I look at how the Independent syndicate competes with the older, more established state affiliated syndicate in an effort to gain support and have more influence with AUC. Finally, I look at how the workers themselves perceive their work, as well as the two syndicates. As an ethnographic study of the independent syndicate and the workers at AUC, this research adds to the literature on labor struggle in Egypt, but situated within the context of a private university.

Degree Name

MA in Sociology-Anthropology

Graduation Date

2-1-2014

Submission Date

September 2013

First Advisor

Austin-Holmes, Amy

Committee Member 1

Rizzo, Helen

Committee Member 2

Saad, Reem

Extent

120 p.

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Rights

The author retains all rights with regard to copyright. The author certifies that written permission from the owner(s) of third-party copyrighted matter included in the thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study has been obtained. The author further certifies that IRB approval has been obtained for this thesis, or that IRB approval is not necessary for this thesis. Insofar as this thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study is an educational record as defined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 USC 1232g), the author has granted consent to disclosure of it to anyone who requests a copy.

Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval

Approval has been obtained for this item

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