The concept of segmentation is mainly
used to describe division in the labour market and the formation of
primary and secondary markets, or division within the firm into a
core and a peripheral labour force. This theoretical formulation that
focuses on employment terms and conditions, although valid at a
general level, becomes inadequate once the researcher observes
closely actual workplace conditions. I argue that there is a
multiplicity of segmentation factors and levels, social as well as
work – related which produce identifications and differentiations
and social cleavages which reflect and sustain differentials of power
resulting in labour force fragmentation. Gender, ethnicity and age
may combine with skills and occupational positions leading into the
construction of formal and informal hierarchies. Drawing on data from
Cyprus this article illustrates the basic institutional, economic,
cultural and social factors producing labour force fragmentation
contributing to the relevant literature with new empirical findings.
Key words:
Cyprus, labour force fragmentation,
segmentation lines
