Coercion, Resistance and Voice

Abstract

This chapter discusses the main relevant approaches to the questions of labor coercion, first presenting the main economic explanations, followed by the sociology of labor, power, and the state. The ensuing sections specify the notion of resistance, starting with socioeconomic and historical approaches and presenting in detail the theories of law in action, and from there, the use of judicial sources in labor and colonial contexts. The chapter ends with a broader discussion about political philosophies of rights, freedom and coercion and argues the relevance of Hirschman’s triad (voice, exit, and loyalty), although appropriately modified.