Varieties of Precarity: Melting Labour and the Failure to Protect Workers in the Korean Welfare State

The book "Melting Labour" explores the concept of 'melting labor' in the South Korean economy, where traditional work boundaries are blurred and standard employment relationships dissolve, leading to precarious work conditions. Based on in-depth interviews with over 80 precarious workers, it sheds light on how workers lose control over their lives and experience precariousness in the labor market.

Format: Hardback
Length: 210 pages
Publication date: 27 October 2023
Publisher: Bristol University Press

Despite recent advancements in the South Korean economy and progress within welfare institutions, new forms of precarious work persist. This book introduces the concept of 'melting labor,' which encompasses the blurring of boundaries between traditional forms of work and the workplace and the dissolution of standard employment relationships. By providing a theoretical framework that intersects 'melting labor' with institutional protection of workers, it seeks to understand how and why the Korean welfare state has failed to safeguard precarious workers. Drawing from rich, in-depth interviews with over 80 precarious workers in Korea, ranging from subcontracted manufacturing workers to platform workers, this book offers a vivid portrayal of how workers lose control over their lives and face precariousness in labor markets.

The rise of precarious work in South Korea can be attributed to several factors. One significant factor is the country's rapid economic growth and transformation from a manufacturing-based economy to a service-oriented one. This shift has led to the creation of a large informal sector, which includes subcontracted manufacturing workers, platform workers, and freelancers. These workers are often excluded from traditional labor protections and benefits, such as health insurance, pensions, and job security.

Another factor contributing to precarious work is the changing nature of work itself. With the advent of technology and globalization, many jobs have become increasingly flexible and decentralized. This has led to the emergence of gig economy platforms, such as Uber and Airbnb, which offer temporary and part-time employment opportunities to workers. However, these platforms also come with their own set of challenges, including low wages, lack of job stability, and limited control over working conditions.

Furthermore, the Korean welfare state has been criticized for its inability to adequately protect precarious workers. While the government has implemented various policies and programs to support workers, such as unemployment insurance and social welfare benefits, these measures often fall short of addressing the root causes of precarious work. For example, the unemployment insurance system is designed to provide temporary financial support to workers who lose their jobs, but it does not address the issue of job insecurity or the lack of stable employment opportunities.

In conclusion, the prevalence of precarious work in South Korea highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to address the challenges faced by workers in this sector. This includes improving access to traditional labor protections and benefits, promoting job stability and security, and addressing the root causes of precarious work, such as technological change and globalization. Only by doing so can South Korea ensure that all workers, regardless of their employment status, can enjoy a fair and dignified life.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781447369257