Casual dinner party conversation last night somehow turned to the shipbreakers in India and the perils that these workers face. During the course of this conversation I made a comment about the workers being exploited to which someone gave the rather disdainful reply "No they're not." Quickly changing his mind he added "We're all being exploited." After this comment the conversation moved on in another direction but I was reminded of the definitions of capitalism and hegemony from our textbook, Communication and New Media. Basically the book states that the price of labour is determined by the power of capital to impose conditions of exploitation on the labouring classes (p41). So yes, according to the text, my friend was right - we are all being exploited in some way. Yes, these shipbreakers are being exploited however allowances have been made because they are making money and in a better position to support their families and therefore the economy. Clearly there are degrees of exploitation, many of which appear to be acceptable. Its seems this rather counter-hegemonic idea is slinking into the "limited controversy" sphere of hegemony making it more acceptable. Some even consider that this is the only way to turn a poor country into a rich country http://www.mrcranky.com/movies/zoolander/24.html.
I can't help but wonder if, in the precarious balance of good vs bad, the argument for economic improvement for this region actually outweighs the death and disease of its people.
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Interesting posting. We are all exploited or imposing self-exploitation, even in 'modern' civilisation.
A business owner compromises prices (therefore earnings) to get or keep a client. A worker compromises values to agree with a boss. The same worker may take work home to get ahead, and at their own expense - work for free. Newly qualified professionals seek work experience - another exploitation indeed.
I donate time and effort to a local community support group - helping restore the natural environment sometimes amounting to 20 hours plus in a week.
Governments provide cash funding to this organisation amounting to over $100,000 this year and the basis for securing the grants is a factor of three. That means for each dollar invested - the funders determine a three dollar return with the volunteers providing two thirds in inkind support!!!
Now that's exploitation!
But is it?
Key motivating factors for volunteers might include: leaving a legacy; social contact; a worthwhile past-time.
Perhaps the most valued rewards are not measured in money.
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