Protecting Workers from Exploitation in Neoliberal States: A Social Harm Perspective

Scott, Sam ORCID: 0000-0002-5951-4749 (2019) Protecting Workers from Exploitation in Neoliberal States: A Social Harm Perspective. Justice, Power and Resistance, 3 (1). pp. 6-36.

Text 6862 Scott (2019) Protecting Workers from Exploitation in Neoliberal States.pdf - Accepted Version Restricted to Repository staff only Available under License All Rights Reserved. Download (340kB)

Abstract

Neoliberal states have, over recent years, developed definitions of, and solutions to, contemporary labour exploitation. Whilst this represents progress, four critical observations are made, inspired by a social harm perspective. First, new criminal-legal powers to fight exploitation focus on extreme abuse (trafficking, forced labour, modern slavery) and thus restrict the nature of the problem. Second, these powers have been introduced, paradoxically, at a time when routine labour exploitation appears to be increasing. Third, despite the new laws, access to justice remains out of reach for most workers. Fourth, labour market inspectorates continue to adopt a ‘light-touch’ approach to workplace regulation. In light of these four critical observations, the paper concludes that the neoliberal fight against, and framing of, labour exploitation, though sometimes well intentioned is, by virtue of its conception, more bluster than bite.

Item Type:	Article
Article Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Exploitation; Harm; Labour; Neoliberalism; Regulation; Work
Related URLs:	Publisher
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > G Geography (General) G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GF Human geography. Human ecology. Anthropogeography H Social Sciences > HM Sociology H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare. Criminology.
Divisions:	Schools and Research Institutes > School of Education and Science
Research Priority Areas:	Place, Environment and Community
Depositing User:	Sam Scott
Date Deposited:	29 May 2019 15:50
Last Modified:	31 Aug 2023 08:58
URI:	https://eprints.glos.ac.uk/id/eprint/6862

University Staff: Request a correction | Repository Editors: Update this record