Construction workers' guilds in early modern Osaka

This study attempts to elucidate one aspect of urban lower class society in early modern Osaka by describing the world of low-level construction workers known as tetsudai. Specifically, it examines a group of workers known as kasaku tetsudai who assisted carpenters and other skilled laborers on early modern construction sites. In particular, it focuses on the formation and functions of Osaka's tetsudai guilds. Although tetsudai were the most numerous of all early modern construction workers, many were low-skill laborers who performed simple tasks and earned low wages. As the process of urbanization advanced in Osaka, tetsudai became an increasingly specialized trade. As a consequence, the social position of early modern tetsudai was fluid. In an order to achieve occupational security and financial stability, tetsudai established trade associations known as nakama, or guilds. In the process, they gained an increasing level of autonomy from sources of official power and authority. Tetsudai guilds were unique organizations adapted to the particular manner in which tetsudai labor was managed. Their character was heavily influenced by the fact that demand for tetsudai labor constantly fluctuated. This article examines the characteristics of early modern Osaka's tetsudai guilds. While tetsudai guilds were in many ways unique, they also existed as part of the city's social structure.