Books matching: worker exploitation
58 result(s)
- #1
Save:"Strawberry Fields" by Marina Lewycka is a multi-faceted tale that delves into the lives of immigrant workers facing challenges and exploitation in the UK. Through a narrative that balances humor and seriousness, the story follows a group of characters from various countries working as strawberry pickers, highlighting the harsh realities they encounter, including issues like human trafficking, labor exploitation, and the darker side of globalization. The author weaves together different perspectives, including the unique voice of a dog, to paint a vivid picture of the characters' struggles and moments of resilience amidst adversity.
The novel presents a blend of dark themes and light-hearted moments, exploring the complexities of human relationships, the impact of migration, and the resilience of individuals facing difficult circumstances. Lewycka's writing style combines humor, social commentary, and poignant storytelling to create a narrative that offers insights into the lives of immigrant workers, the challenges they navigate, and the unexpected connections that form amidst their shared experiences.
There is a field—a broad south-sloping field sitting astride a long hill that curves away into a secret leafy valley. It is sheltered by dense hedges of hawthorn and hazel threaded through with wild r... - #2
Save:"No Logo" by Naomi Klein delves into the world of branding and corporate power, exposing the exploitative practices of global corporations and the impact of consumerism on society. Klein highlights the rise of brands selling ideas rather than products, exploring themes such as the loss of public space, domination of cultural discourse by global brands, and the detrimental effects of commercialism on communities worldwide.
The astronomical growth in the wealth and cultural influence of multinational corporations over the last fifteen years can arguably be traced back to a single, seemingly innocuous idea developed by ma... - #3
Save:'Tomatoland: How Modern Industrial Agriculture Destroyed Our Most Alluring Fruit' by Barry Estabrook is a compelling investigative book that exposes the dark realities of the tomato industry in Florida. The author delves into the inhumane treatment of migrant workers, the extensive use of toxic chemicals in tomato production, and the lack of sustainability in the food system. Through detailed accounts and thorough research, Estabrook sheds light on the exploitation, abuse, and environmental damage prevalent in the tomato fields of Florida. The writing style is informative, eye-opening, and at times, empathetic towards the plight of the farmworkers.
AChilean soldier was guarding a lonely garrison in the Atacama Desert near the Peruvian border when the American tomato geneticist Roger Chetelat and his field research team arrived. The sentry obligi... Behemoth: A History of the Factory and the Making of the Modern World by Joshua B. Freeman is a comprehensive exploration of the evolution of factories from their origins in 18th-century Britain to their extension in China. The book delves into the impact of large factories on productivity levels, living standards, urban agglomerations, and worker conditions, highlighting both the positive and negative aspects of these industrial behemoths. Freeman covers a wide range of topics including the development of scientific management approaches like Taylorism, the globalization of production, and the rise of mega factories in authoritarian regimes like China. The narrative weaves through different time periods and locations, offering a detailed account of the history of mass production and its implications on society.
The first factories were built not out of grand social visions but to take advantage of mundane commercial opportunities. The Lombes put up their factory to profit from a shortage of organzine, a kind...Bananas!: How The United Fruit Company Shaped the World by Peter Chapman is a meticulously researched history of the United Fruit Company, highlighting its impact on Central America and the global banana market. The book delves into the dark history of the company's exploitative practices, collusion with governments, and violent suppression of labor movements. Chapman's writing style is described as informative yet engaging, providing readers with a detailed account of how United Fruit shaped the modern concept of multinational corporations and their influence on politics and economics.
A policeman called to the spot spoke of the selfishness of ‘jumpers’. Locked in their own minds, they didn’t think of anyone ‘down below’. This one killed himself in the Manhattan rush hour and could ...- #6
Save:'The Warehouse' by Rob Hart is a near-future dystopian novel that explores a world where a powerful corporation called The Cloud dominates worldwide commerce and industry. Employees live and work in company facilities where everything they need is provided, but at the cost of their freedom and privacy. The story follows characters like Zinnia, a corporate spy, and Paxton, a former prison guard who becomes entangled in a web of espionage and rebellion against The Cloud. The writing style is fast-paced, engaging, and thought-provoking, painting a vivid picture of a society controlled by a mega-corporation.
I don’t have time to write a book about my life, like everyone has been telling me I should, so this’ll have to do. A blog seems pretty fitting, doesn’t it? I haven’t been sleeping much lately, so thi... - #7
Save:"When the Sleeper Wakes" by H.G. Wells follows the story of a man who falls asleep in 1890s England and wakes up 200 years later to find himself the richest man in the world. He becomes embroiled in a revolutionary conspiracy to overthrow the dictatorial system that has taken over during his slumber. The novel explores themes of capitalism, socialism, and dystopian societies, with the protagonist navigating a future world that is both fascinating and troubling. Wells' writing style is described as lucid, with a focus on the protagonist's fish-out-of-water experience and gradual realization of the flaws in the system.
One afternoon, at low water, Mr. Isbister, a young artist lodging at Boscastle, walked from that place to the picturesque cove of Pentargen, desiring to examine the caves there. Halfway down the preci... Friedrich Engels' classic book, 'The Condition of the Working Class in England', provides a detailed analysis of the harsh living and working conditions faced by the working class during the Industrial Revolution. Engels delves into the deplorable state of the workers, describing their physical deformities, poor nutrition, and meager living conditions. Through vivid descriptions, Engels paints a grim picture of the exploitation and suffering endured by the working class in 19th century England. The book combines historical insights with incisive philosophical commentary, written from the perspective of an outsider deeply moved by the plight of the working class.
'The Wealth of Humans: Work, Power, and Status in the Twenty-first Century' by Ryan Avent delves into the impact of technology on human society, specifically focusing on how social capital is becoming the key driver of wealth creation in the 21st century. Avent explores the consequences of increased productivity, automation, and globalization on labor markets, income distribution, and societal structures. also discusses the challenges posed by the changing nature of work and the potential solutions proposed to address the issues arising from these shifts.
Technological progress used to be something you could feel in your bones. It was the thing that was all around you, turning your world on its head. It was the sensation a young man might have felt whe...'Triangle: The Fire That Changed America' by David von Drehle recounts the devastating 1911 fire at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory where 146 workers, mainly young women, lost their lives. This tragedy marked a turning point in U.S. labor history, leading to the enactment of several workplace safety laws. The author not only delves into the details of the fire but also provides a glimpse into the lives of the women who worked at the factory, offering a well-researched narrative filled with historical insights.
explores the aftermath of the fire and its impact on labor reform, government regulations, and the power dynamics between owners, workers, and politicians. It sheds light on the systemic issues of worker exploitation, lack of safety measures, and the struggle for better working conditions. Through a blend of storytelling and historical context, the author brings to life the events surrounding the Triangle fire and its significance in shaping progressive politics in the early 20th century.
Burglary was the usual occupation of Lawrence Ferrone, also known as Charles Rose. He had twice done time for that offense in New York state prisons. But Charley Rose was not a finicky man. He worked ...
