敲打聲中的變與不變：社會變遷對金工師傅專業認同與社會地位知覺的影響

Abstract

金工產業自1960年代以來經歷劇烈轉變，使得能夠包辦全工序的傳統金工師傅日漸稀少。本研究採用敘事研究法，訪談六位出身於傳統師徒制的金工師傅，蒐集其人生經驗與對金工產業變遷的觀察，進一步探討在社會變遷下，影響其專業認同與社會地位知覺的因素，藉以呈現金工師傅在時代浪潮中的變與不變。六位受訪師傅分別歷經從學徒、計件師傅、設立個人工作室、經營工廠及銀樓，或是受邀擔任講師等多元職涯發展路徑。他們回顧過去市場需求旺盛、工藝被高度倚重的盛況，指出黃金價格的大幅上漲抑制了大眾的消費意願，也連帶衝擊師傅的生意來源。金工產業亦由早期純手工製作逐步引入鑄模技術，導致市場對傳統金工技術的需求下降。同時，鑄模技術、3D列印與雷射點焊等科技的導入雖賦予產業轉型契機，卻也壓縮傳統技藝的生存空間，使許多師傅面臨邊緣化的處境。在專業認同方面，師傅們多透過學徒訓練與技術實踐的成就感中建立。此外，能否滿足顧客需求、善用人脈與資源也被視為專業認同的重要依據。為了不斷擴充自我專業，師傅們亦主動學習設計技巧、掌握產業趨勢、提升個人能見度，並擴展至如鑲嵌、雕刻等次要專攻領域，以因應市場變化與自我精進。社會變遷下，部分師傅因產業的封閉性和長年的技藝內化而維持穩固的專業認同，亦有師傅在面對大眾多重的價值評價標準與市場需求變動時，出現專業認同的動搖與重塑。在社會地位知覺方面，師傅們普遍認為自身位處於中上階層，這種評價受到收入、專業的稀缺性以及貴金屬材料的價值象徵所影響。研究亦發現，是否涉及藝術設計、市場需求以及大眾的觀感評價，皆會影響金工師傅的社會地位知覺。本研究呈現金工產業一甲子的發展脈絡，並探討社會變遷如何影響金工師傅的專業認同與社會地位知覺，有助於理解金工師傅的處境，亦期待未來研究能進一步拓展樣本至金工產業其他類型從業者，並探討大眾對傳統技藝之理解與態度。The goldsmith industry has undergone significant changes since the 1960s, leading to the gradual decline of traditional goldsmiths capable of independently executing the full spectrum of production processes. This study adopts a narrative research approach, interviewing six goldsmiths trained under the traditional apprenticeship system. By gathering their life stories and observations on the industry's evolution, the study explores how social changes have influenced their professional identity and perceived social status, thereby revealing both the continuities and changes in their experiences amid industrial transformation. The six participants have followed diverse career paths, including working as piece-rate craftsmen, establishing personal studios, managing factories and jewelry stores, and serving as instructors. Reflecting on the past when craftsmanship was in high demand and highlyvalued, the participants noted how the sharp rise in gold prices discouraged consumer spending and negatively impacted their business. The industry has gradually shifted from purely handmade production to incorporating casting techniques, resulting in a decreased demand for traditional craftsmanship. While technologies such as casting, 3D printing, and laser welding have facilitated industrial transformation, they have also marginalized traditional artisans and reduced the space for their survival.In terms of professional identity, the goldsmiths largely built their sense of professionalism through the fulfillment of training apprentices and technical mastery. Meeting customer needs, leveraging networks and resources, and keeping pace with industry trends are also critical to their professional identity. To enhance their skills and maintain competitiveness, many took the initiative to learn design techniques, increase their public visibility, and branch into secondary specializations such as stone setting and engraving. Amid social changes, some goldsmiths retained a strong sense of identity due to the insular nature of the trade and long-term internalization of skills, while others experienced shifts or uncertainties in their professional self-conception in response to evolving societal values and market expectations.Regarding perceived social status, most participants viewed themselves as belonging to the upper-middle class, an assessment shaped by factors such as income level, the rarity of their expertise, and the symbolic value of precious metals. The study also found that involvement in artistic design, market demand, and public perceptions all influence how goldsmiths view their social status.This research provides a longitudinal account of the goldsmithing industry over the past six decades and examines how social transformation affects goldsmiths' professional identity and perceived social status. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of traditional craftsmen’s positions in contemporary society and suggest directions for future research, including expanding the sample to other industry practitioners and exploring public attitudes toward traditional craft.