Systems of Oppression that Maintain Bonded Labor in the Brick Kiln Industry of Punjab, India
Rochelle L. Dalla, PhD; Resham Sethi, MSW, MA; Hardeep Dholpuria; Veerpal Kaur & Amandeep Kaur | September 22 | 9:45-10:45 am
Topic: Research, International | Knowledge Level: Advanced
Debt bondage, also known as debt slavery, bonded labor, or peonage, is the pledge of a person’s services as security for the repayment of a debt or other obligation (ILO, 2017) and, despite being banned in international law and most domestic spheres, is considered one of the most prevalent forms of forced labor (UNHROHC, 2016). Debt bondage is particularly prevalent in Southeast Asia where it flourishes in the agricultural, mining, and brick kiln industries. The aim of this phenomenological research was to examine, in depth, the economic and familial contexts of bonded labor in the brick kiln industry of Punjab, India—a state housing approximately 3,000 active kilns. The research questions addressed, include: (1) What are the economic processes which underlie bonded labor in the brick kiln industry in India? (2) How does bonded labor impact family systems? and (3) What structural vulnerabilities maintain the bonded labor system? Guided by life-course theory (Elder Jr., 1994, 1998; Elder Jr. et al., 2015) and concepts of structural vulnerability (Bourgois et al., 2017), 13 in-depth focus group discussions (FGDs), conducted separately by gender were conducted and included a total of 89 participants (n = 49 males; n = 40 females). FGDs were audio-recorded, translated, transcribed and then analyzed using thematic analysis as detailed by Braun and Clarke (2014). Primary themes to be discussed are as follows: (1) areas of potential exploitation (recruitment, record keeping); (2) health and well-being (housing, alcohol use, prenatal care/birth control); and (3) children (e.g., self-care, academics). Suggestions for continued research, practice, and intervention will be provided.
Presentation Objectives:
· Provide an overview of the study including research aim and questions, methodology, theoretical framework, and ethical considerations
· Describe results of data analysis, with direct quotes from participants to support and exemplify the authors’ interpretations of the data
· Suggest critical avenues for continued research, as well as implications for intervention and practice