The Contribution of Sociology to Understanding the Role and Evolutionary Trends of New Craftsmanship

Despite the decline in the number of craft enterprises in many countries over recent decades, there is a renewed interest in craftsmanship from policymakers and the international academic community. Studies on the neo-craft work phenomenon show that craft enterprises are regaining appeal in the contemporary context and benefiting from increasing policy support. This interest stems from the role these actors play in preserving and promoting traditional techniques and knowledge, positioning themselves as part of cultural and historical heritage, and as key contributors to the economy, society, and culture of local communities. They enhance the livability and attractiveness of places, while also expressing values such as authenticity in their products, often customized or niche-oriented, standing in contrast to standardized, industrial production. This growing attention has legitimized small-scale craft producers and new neo-craft enterprises, leading to an expansion of policies supporting craftsmanship. These policies range from the cultural and creative industries to local economic development, and include urban regeneration projects and social innovation. In particular, craftsmanship is valued for its contribution to promoting traditions and intangible heritage, as well as to tourism, where it plays a key role in strengthening cultural identity and attracting qualified visitors. This article aims to deepen the understanding of craftsmanship by analyzing key clusters of studies on the topic and systematizing recent contributions. Emerging theoretical perspectives and analytical categories will be identified to provide a clearer view of the dominant lines of thought in the field. The goal is to define the boundaries of the discipline and offer a foundation for future studies and interventions, based on theoretical models derived from the review of scientific literature. To achieve this, a critical cataloging of studies on craftsmanship has been conducted, examining how contemporary dynamics are shaping the sector and its future outlook.