The Problem of Structure in the Knights of Labor

Abstract

Although even the amateur student of labor history is aware that the administrative structure and functioning of the Knights of Labor differed considerably in practice from what it was supposed be in theory, it is extremely difficult piece together from existing literature a clear picture of the actual organization of the Knights. By dint of extensive research into Convention proceedings and other records, Mr. Birdsall has succeeded in delineating the formal and informal structure of the Order. The idea that the Knights failed because its structure could not be adapted to the practical needs of job-conscious workers is found be erroneous; actually, the Order seems have been highly flexible in meeting the organizational requirements of its polyglot membership. (Author's abstract courtesy EBSCO.)