That's my impression, as I wrote it in t'other thread. But I am unaware of any stats to definitively back it up, does anyone know if such things are available anywhere? And, if my impressions are correct, has it had much impact upon how those workers view themselves, and view their workmates (or not mates), and so upon the state of the class struggle.
Don't know about any hard stats, but I've now worked in three large - largeish office based companies and from my experience what you say certainly seems to be correct.
They are usually called "team leaders" tho where I've worked, tho I assume they're what you mean, and yes, one for about every ten people seems about right.
And yes, it has a VERY large effect on how these team leaders view themselves and their colleagues. There's two types: Those that want to be popular and those that aren't popular. Those that want to be popular are harmless and "one of us". Those that aren't popular are so for one of two reasons - either they're jobsworth little bastards whose only ambition is their next promotion and they really do not care about anyone other than themselves, or, they're scared of the management and pass on their fears to "their staff" (eg if the manager says more work needs doing, team leader will up the team's targets, rather than confront the manager with their unreasonable requests). I would say most team leaders tend to be the latter.
It also gives those at a lower level the idea that there is not only something to aim for in their job, but something that is well within their reach.
Is this a deliberate attempt to divide the working class? I very much doubt it. I think it's more to do with lazy fucking managers passing THEIR work to someone lower down the pecking order.
Does it divide the working class? Quite possibly yes, but imo, this is more coincidental than a sinister plot by the "elite"
