Analysis of slave labor in large department stores: a modern reading of the new mode of exploration

Abstract

Globalization is a process that has promoted significant changes in the inner workings of global production chains. Moreover, capital, which is embodied in various forms of labor relations, can and in some current cases exploits, even now, its labor force. Furthermore, this research is structured in two segments. The first analyzes how large companies use labor exploitation in order to reduce production costs and maximize profits, dissociating themselves from the responsibilities that they have in relation to their laborers that are an important part of their internal structure. The second investigates whether these companies can be held responsible for the exploitation of their employees – whom are part of their production network. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the context in which public policies fight contemporary slave labor in Brazil, highlighting the complexities of implementing these policies.

Keywords

• Trabalho escravo contemporâneo – Responsabilidade social Trabalho Forçado – Trabalho em condições degradantes – Exploração Infantil