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Introduction: The ‘Labour Question’ in Contemporary Capitalism

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  • Amrita Chhachhi
  • Amrita Chhachhi

Abstract

type="main"> The recent upsurge in workers’ struggles globally has bought labour again to the forefront, despite predictions that the working class was no longer relevant as a force for social transformation. Neoliberal globalization, with the hypermobility of capital, has led to the emergence of new forms of flexible work/labour, the co-existence of old and new working classes, and an extreme rise in inequality, realigning class structures nationally and globally. Financialization has ushered in a new regime of accumulation and there is a deepening crisis of reproduction. Can a Marx plus Polanyi theoretical integration capture contemporary dynamics of capitalist globalization and the role of labour? What do the trajectories of such struggles in the South tell us about the limits and potentialities for a counter-capitalist movement? More crucially, is the route to full social citizenship entitlements still possible via employment (with its further extension universally), or is it to be reached by directly demanding citizenship rights, bypassing labour-based demands? How do recent collective actions express workers’ interests/identities as workers, citizens and consumers? What role is the state playing in responding/mediating/facilitating these struggles? The Introduction delineates some of these contentious issues which frame this Forum Debate. The contributors all offer different perspectives and critical insights on the connections between forms of labour, possibilities for action and organization, the relationship between labour struggles and social citizenship and the role of the state in contemporary capitalism. The conclusion reflects on some of the equally controversial proposed alternatives and argues for going beyond minimalism and for the imperative of radical rethinking to ensure dignified work and full social citizenship entitlements as part of a new social emancipatory political project.

Suggested Citation

  • Amrita Chhachhi & Amrita Chhachhi, 2014. "Introduction: The ‘Labour Question’ in Contemporary Capitalism," Development and Change, International Institute of Social Studies, vol. 45(5), pages 895-919, September.
  • Handle: RePEc:bla:devchg:v:45:y:2014:i:5:p:895-919
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kees Biekart & Maha Abdelrahman, 2013. "In Praise of Organization: Egypt between Activism and Revolution," Development and Change, International Institute of Social Studies, vol. 44(3), pages 569-685, May.
    2. Stephanie BARRIENTOS & Gary GEREFFI & Arianna ROSSI, 2011. "Economic and social upgrading in global production networks: A new paradigm for a changing world," International Labour Review, International Labour Organization, vol. 150(3-4), pages 319-340, December.
    3. Breman, Jan, 2013. "At Work in the Informal Economy of India: A Perspective from the Bottom Up," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780198090342.
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    Cited by:

    1. Murat Arsel & Murat Arsel & Anirban Dasgupta, 2015. "Forum 2015," Development and Change, International Institute of Social Studies, vol. 46(4), pages 644-665, July.

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