The productive decentralization: motor of local systems of enterprise. Analysis of two cases: Mataró and Santa Coloma de Gramenet

Abstract

This article analyses the nature and evolution of two local systems of enterprise, developed from the productive decentralization of the textile and clothing industries. The distinction between autonomous decentralization –based on family entrepreneurial experiences and self-employment initiatives--, permits us to detect some common phenomena, independent of the origin of both local systems; a reduction in the size of the enterprises, a dependency on large firms, especially distributing and commercial businesses, a productive specialization, an increased division of labour, no job security, a reduced space of the collective regulation in industrial relations, etc. In both of the case that have been analyzed, the policy of the employers as regards flexibility has pushed workers and their families to adopt a strategy of making ends meet.