What equality in the SCOP? A quantitative and qualitative analysis of wage distribution and employment flexibility.

Summary This thesis deals with work in Cooperative and Participative Societies (SCOP). Through the study of this model, an in-depth analysis of inequalities at work in the companies is proposed through the wage structure and the distribution of the costs of adjustment of the activity. The thesis is divided into four chapters. The first chapter compares the distribution of wages in SCOPs and in conventional firms (CEs), by estimating wage equations from the DADS database. The second chapter completes the first one by proposing a detailed analysis of the agents' discourse (with the help of 53 interviews carried out in 38 SCOPs of the Rhône-Alpes region) allowing to identify the principles of justice at work in the determination of the wage structures highlighted in the first chapter. The third chapter proposes an econometric analysis of the differential adaptation of SCOPs and CEs to demand shocks, through adjustments in employment, wages and hours worked. The fourth chapter explores the possibility of significant diversity among SCOPs, notably in access to membership, which could have an impact on employment adjustments. The contribution of this thesis to the economic debate can be summarized in three points. Firstly, it is the first major quantitative comparative analysis of SCOPs and CEs concerning employment and its characteristics. Secondly, the qualitative survey on which we rely, carried out in collaboration with colleagues from the University of Grenoble, is also unique since it is the first qualitative survey of this magnitude. Its exploitation thus allows an analysis of the discourse of the members of the SCOP which had not been realized before. Finally, our positioning is also original, mobilizing approaches usually put in opposition by making them really discuss around an object whose understanding is enriched.