Business Praxis and Industrial Paternalism in Metallurgy San Luis Potosi at the First Half of the 20th Century

Abstract

The aim os this study is to analyze the paternalistic management strategies implemented by the American Smelting and Refining Company in San Luis Potosi (Mexico). It is argued that these practices are associated with the expression of productive and non-work relationships. There are links between business practice and the configuration of the urban control, such as the worker-metallurgical neighborhood near to the plant. Social control is expressed through social assistance and occupational health services, education, intervention in religious and civil festivities, as well as encouragement through sports and cultural activities in celebratory context. The representations of patriotism and commitment to work in accordance with the moralizing business discourse, mean in identity terms: the well-being of the workers and that of “their company”. This can be observed since the early 20th century because the paternalistic dynamics implemented, that had a shift with the transition to a neoliberal economic model.