Sustainability and Social Justice

Date of Award

5-2018

Degree Type

Research Paper

Degree Name

Master of Arts in International Development and Social Change (IDSC)

Department

International Development, Community and Environment

Chief Instructor

Anita Fabos

Second Reader

Ora Szekely

Keywords

Migrant Labor, Migrant Domestic Labor, Garment Sector, Jordan, Neoliberalism, Globalization, Middle East

Abstract

Neoliberal globalization, which has guided the economic system of the world for the last forty years, claims to offer opportunities for equality and wealth for all citizens. However, I argue that the structural violence inherent in the neoliberal system and its drive for maximizing profits leads to cycles of abuse and discrimination, as well as a transfer of wealth and power toward elites and away from average citizens. I discuss how Jordan, like other developing countries, has been a locus for this violence. Through the lens of migrant workers within Jordan, this research paper traces the effects of these policies on migrant laborers and looks at how some seek to oppose these forces and advocate for increased rights. The paper shows that these workers have reacted to these dispossessions by creating networks of resistance and support, both informally and through the auspices of NGOs, labor organizations, and religious institutions.

Share

COinS
 
 

To view the content in your browser, please download Adobe Reader or, alternately,
you may Download the file to your hard drive.

NOTE: The latest versions of Adobe Reader do not support viewing PDF files within Firefox on Mac OS and if you are using a modern (Intel) Mac, there is no official plugin for viewing PDF files within the browser window.