ABSTRACT
In contemporary society, the concept of slavery is frequently linked to past practices involving forced labour and human trafficking. Nevertheless, a subtle yet widespread form of modern slavery exists today under the label of “working against one’s will.” This issue appears in numerous forms, such as exploitative working conditions, coercive employment settings, and economic systems that compel individuals into jobs without true freedom or choice. This paper investigates how current work environments, influenced by economic necessity, corporate greed, and societal pressures, drive individuals into circumstances that resemble the oppression experienced in historic slavery. By exploring the relationship between legal structures, economic influences, and individual autonomy, the paper contends that the modern experience of involuntary labour can be regarded as a variant of contemporary slavery. The research highlights that this experience of “working against one’s will” is not confined to the most at-risk populations but spans multiple socioeconomic strata, indicating a systemic problem that requires immediate action. By examining case studies, sociological frameworks, and legal viewpoints, this paper advocates for a reassessment of the definitions of freedom and autonomy within the contemporary labour market and suggests measures for reform to reduce the exploitation endured by numerous workers worldwide.
Keywords: Slavery, Forced Labour, human trafficking, International Labour Organisation, International Law, inequality, Exploitation.
INTRODUCTION
Slavery is generally recognized as the historical act of coercively enslaving people and using them for labour without pay, frequently under harsh and inhumane circumstances. However, in the 21st century, slavery has not vanished, it has instead evolved and adjusted to contemporary economic systems and social frameworks. Although the end of traditional slavery is a notable moral and legal accomplishment, new types of exploitation have surfaced that are frequently masked as voluntary work or employment. In numerous situations, people are forced to operate under circumstances that drastically reduce their freedom, occasionally leaving them with no viable option but to acquiesce. This paper argues that the sensation of labouring “against one’s will” in contemporary job markets can be interpreted as a variant of modern slavery, which persists in the hidden corners of our globalized capitalist system[1].
The phrase “working against one’s will” describes scenarios where individuals are compelled, whether by financial need, mental pressure, or legal restrictions, to engage in work they would prefer to avoid. This can manifest in various ways, including exploitative employment practices in low-paying sectors, the excessive demands and exhaustion faced by white-collar workers, and the challenges of insecure or gig employment, where workers frequently lack fundamental rights and protections[2]. Contemporary slavery is not solely defined by visible restraints or overt force; rather, it functions through more insidious methods like financial reliance, deceptive agreements, and societal standards that compel individuals to compromise their personal welfare for financial stability[3].
At the core of this matter lies the conflict between individual freedom and economic obligation. In cultures where personal choice and liberty are fundamental principles, the lack of ability to choose one’s job freely represents a serious type of oppression. The enduring nature of this challenge across different sectors and economic classes indicates that “working against one’s will” is not a unique issue but rather a widespread characteristic of modern labour systems. This paper explores how legal structures, corporate behaviours, and social norms contribute to the ongoing issue of contemporary slavery manifested through involuntary labour, and it provides a critical examination of the ethical, social, and economic aspects of this global issue.
By integrating theoretical analysis with real-world case studies, this paper urges a reassessment of the definition of freedom in the workplace, promoting changes that enable workers to make truly independent decisions regarding their jobs. It is only by acknowledging the subtle manifestations of modern slavery that exist within contemporary work settings that we can start to break down the systems of coercion that continue to take advantage of millions globally.
[1] International Labour Organization. (2017). Global estimates of modern slavery: Forced labour and forced marriage. International Labour Organization.
[2] ILO. (2016). Non-Standard Employment Around the World: Understanding Challenges, Shaping Prospects. International Labour Organization.
[3] Bales, K. (2004). Disposable People: New Slavery in the Global Economy. University of California Press.