Reciprocity and Neoliberalism - The Problem of Slavery in the Cocoa Sector in Ghana

This research is based on the ‘new’ or ‘modern’ form of slavery, looking specifically at child labour as a form of ‘new’ slavery. The topic of ‘modern’ slavery is of immense importance, as it persists in economies worldwide as a tool to maximize profit while keeping labour costs low. The thesis attempts to disclose the relationship between child labour as a form of ‘new’ slavery in the context of neoliberalism and reciprocity. Neoliberalism, which describes the liberal market system, was brought to Ghana through Structural Adjustment Programs, which, instead of creating opportunities of entrepreneurships, worsened the situation for many workers and gave incentives to exploit labourer and children for profit maximization. While the latter reflects the global level of impacts on child labour, reciprocity is a custom that helps understanding the local (national) perspective of it. Also, the traditional custom of reciprocity that is a crucial part of Ghana’s society, has negative impact...Show moreThis research is based on the ‘new’ or ‘modern’ form of slavery, looking specifically at child labour as a form of ‘new’ slavery. The topic of ‘modern’ slavery is of immense importance, as it persists in economies worldwide as a tool to maximize profit while keeping labour costs low. The thesis attempts to disclose the relationship between child labour as a form of ‘new’ slavery in the context of neoliberalism and reciprocity. Neoliberalism, which describes the liberal market system, was brought to Ghana through Structural Adjustment Programs, which, instead of creating opportunities of entrepreneurships, worsened the situation for many workers and gave incentives to exploit labourer and children for profit maximization. While the latter reflects the global level of impacts on child labour, reciprocity is a custom that helps understanding the local (national) perspective of it. Also, the traditional custom of reciprocity that is a crucial part of Ghana’s society, has negative impact on the increase of child labour, as it can be stated that some parents abuse their children to fulfil duties that hinder them in their educational and personal development. The thesis is based on secondary sources and analyses the question: how do neoliberalism and reciprocity encourage child labour in the cocoa farming in the case of Ghana?Show less

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Reciprocity and Neoliberalism - The Problem of Slavery in the Cocoa Sector in Ghana