Exploitation as Domination: What Makes Capitalism Unjust

Exploitation is a global phenomenon that involves slavery,serfdom,and the patriarchy. It is a form of domination,self-enrichment through the domination of others,and is inherent to capitalist relations between consenting adults. This book offers answers to the questions of why these exploitative transactions are unjust and if capitalism is inherently exploitative.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Exploitation is a pervasive phenomenon that has a long history, including slavery, serfdom, and the patriarchy. In contemporary times, it manifests in various forms such as temporary and sex workers, commercial surrogacy, precarious labor contracts, sweatshops, and markets for blood, vaccines, or human organs. What makes these exploitative transactions unjust? Some argue that capitalism is inherently exploitative, while others suggest that exploitation is a form of domination and self-enrichment.

According to Nicholas Vrousalis, exploitation is a form of domination where one person gains power and wealth at the expense of another. He argues that exploitation complaints are not primarily about harm, coercion, or unfairness but about who serves whom and why. Vrousalis views exploitation as a dividend of servitude, where the powerful extract benefits from the vulnerability of the less powerful. He claims that this servitude is inherent in capitalist relations between consenting adults, where capital is monetary control over the labor capacity of others.

This means that capitalism, as a mode of production where capital predominates, is an inherently unjust social structure. Vrousalis argues that exploitation is not limited to the workplace but can also occur in other areas of life, such as personal relationships, where one person may control or exploit another for their own benefit. He suggests that the only way to eliminate exploitation is to create a society where everyone has equal access to resources and opportunities, regardless of their social status or wealth.

While some may argue that exploitation is a necessary part of the economic system, Vrousalis contends that it is unethical and can lead to social and economic inequality. He believes that we need to challenge the dominant narratives that justify exploitation and work towards creating a more just and equitable society.

In conclusion, exploitation is a global phenomenon that has a long history and continues to manifest in various forms in contemporary times. While some may argue that capitalism is inherently exploitative, others suggest that exploitation is a form of domination and self-enrichment. Nicholas Vrousalis argues that exploitation is inherent in capitalist relations between consenting adults and that it is a dividend of servitude. He believes that the only way to eliminate exploitation is to create a society where everyone has equal access to resources and opportunities, regardless of their social status or wealth.

Weight: 478g
Dimension: 161 x 240 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192867698