Control in craft work: The case of production potters

This paper examines the social organization of a craft profession (as opposed to an art world), namely production pottery. The analysis focuses on control as the important dependent variable and examines features of the social organization that may influence the amount of control that a production potter has over matters such as work schedule, product and choice of marketing outlets. One conclusion is that stratification along a time dimension (i.e. the length of time that one has been in the profession) is an important independent variable influencing amount of control. The paper concludes with a brief analysis of the controversy surrounding the concepts of “art” and “craft” as members of the study perceive this distinction. I would like to express my gratitude to Robert R. Faulkner who was a constant source of encouragement and inspiration. Special thanks to him for having carefully read and commented upon the various drafts of this paper.