Rebirth of a craftsman
The reemergence of craft work is a relatively recent phenomenon, and one on which there is no adequate literature, unlike SMEs and “districts” which are highly regarded from an economic-sociological point of view and even by economic journalism. It should be said that an economic reading alone would not reveal most significant characteristics of the new craft industry. Modern craft activities, in continuity with the trades of the past, while being technologically updated or working in the field of new technologies, do not have as their sole objective to do business as is the case with large companies. Handicraft business is the tool with which to create something meaningful from a simple idea, to give a more human dimension to work, to have the satisfaction of creating something that can serve someone else.
New artisans have a strong sense of doing something important because it is the result of their manual labor and their intellect. There may be some people working more with their hands and others who use mainly their head, but there is no separation between the two. The basic idea is that the craftsman expresses an independent creative ability. In a sense, what he cares about most is autonomy. At this stage of rebirth the craftsman is distant both from typical organizational forms of employment and from those of his predecessors. Anthropologically he is a champion of individualism, open to multiple relationships: functional, economic, social, provided that they do not detract from the independence, the spirit of initiative, the attitude for risk.
In contrast the world of craft work is politically weak and is facing serious problems in relationship with the banks and financial capital. The lack of visibility is the main obstacle that faces the entire sector, not easy to overcome because it is the bearer of cultural prejudices and ideological statements, which have become common point of view. The prevailing idea is that the craftsman moves in a strictly local sphere, that its customers and clients belong to the territory of which the craft, in many cases, is the expression. The macroeconomic data tell us that it does not. One element seems particularly significant: the overall contribution of this sector, anywhere in Europe, it is virtually ignored by the public debate, the overall performance is not known. European craftsmen who look to export work in both leading and in traditional sectors and in particular manage the quality of their production, allowing them to position themselves on the higher end of the global market. This choice on the one hand, benefits the limited amount of products that a craft business can achieve, on the other, it avoids the risk of price competition from competitors outside Europe. This competitive position in order to be maintained and consolidated, however, requires active support policies, starting with training. Others in fact learn quickly and in every culture there is a historical legacy characterized by a rich and varied craft tradition, which can be revived and promoted in the context of the global circulation of people and goods.
Now consider and discuss with your tutor the following questions:
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- In what way have the new technologies positively impacted the development of the sector?
- How does modern craftsmanship allow the realization of aspirations and why is it the bearer of values that are common in the younger age groups?
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