Labouring Together: An Assemblage Perspective on Rural Collaborative Workspaces

In this chapter we operationalise the conceptual framework of collaborative workspace assemblages, with a focus on the diversity of labour. Using the metaphor of ‘rhizome’ and ‘arborescence’ from the work of Deleuze and Guattari, we examine the shifting labour governance arrangements in two rural community-led CWS in Greece and Austria. Our findings suggest that horizontal and vertical governance structures may coexist within community-led initiatives, whereby tensions may also emerge. We conclude that although vertical labour governance may sometimes be necessary under constraining socio-economic conditions, open and democratic structures are key to unlocking the potential latent in rural communities.