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The Entrapment of Unfree Labor

Author

Listed:
  • Wendy Olsen

    (Cathie Marsh Centre, University of Manchester, UK)

  • Jamie Morgan

    (Faculty of Business and Law, Leeds Metropolitan University)

Abstract

In this article we explore some aspects of contemporary unfree labor in rural south India. We draw on 130 case studies and (informally) extensive field research. We do so in order to make the central point that the conditions of unfreedom are variable and subject to change but that the basic vulnerabilities are significant. Being unfree in a labor relationship is a contingent effect of a set of factors. We stress the role of (a) entrapment of laborers, (b) immiseration within bondage, and (c) barriers to exit from the labor contract. In explanations, structural factors are also important. The article forms a basis for further empirical research in a variety of global settings even beyond India.

Suggested Citation

  • Wendy Olsen & Jamie Morgan, 2015. "The Entrapment of Unfree Labor," Journal of Developing Societies, , vol. 31(2), pages 184-203, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jodeso:v:31:y:2015:i:2:p:184-203
    DOI: 10.1177/0169796X15574759
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    7. Julie Nelson, 2003. "Once More, With Feeling: Feminist Economics and the Ontological Question," Feminist Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 9(1), pages 109-118.
    8. Wendy Olsen, 2007. "Pluralist methodology for development economics: the example of moral economy of Indian labour markets," Journal of Economic Methodology, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 14(1), pages 57-82.
    9. Ben Rogaly, 1997. "Embedded markets: Hired labour arrangements in west Bengal agriculture," Oxford Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 25(2), pages 209-223.
    10. Genicot, Garance, 2002. "Bonded labor and serfdom: a paradox of voluntary choice," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 67(1), pages 101-127, February.
    11. Wendy Olsen & Daniel F. Neff, 2007. "Informal Agricultural Work, Habitus and Practices in an Indian Context," Economics Series Working Papers GPRG-WPS-079, University of Oxford, Department of Economics.
    12. V. Gidwani, 2001. "The Cultural Logic of Work: Explaining Labour Deployment and Piece-Rate Contracts in Matar Taluka, Gujarat - Parts 1 and 2," Journal of Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 38(2), pages 57-108.
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    14. Ramamurthy, Priti, 2000. "The Cotton Commodity Chain, Women, Work and Agency in India and Japan: The Case for Feminist Agro-Food Systems Research," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 28(3), pages 551-578, March.
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