SOAS Research Online

Abstract

The article argues against the singling out of unfree labour as something wholly unique and entirely separate and different from other labour relations. Existing dichotomous approaches to free–unfree labour hinder a proper understanding of these labour relations, both theoretically and empirically. It argues that the way in which both mainstream and Marxist approaches conceptualise and operationalise unfree/forced labour is problematic and proposes replacing the unfree-free dichotomy with a continuum of unfreedoms. Such unfreedoms should be understood as one among many ‘un-decent’ forms and aspects of labour relations. All of these can be understood as outcomes of the class struggle from above, which in today’s world is part and parcel of neo-liberalism. The discussion is informed by examples primarily from India and China.