This paper is aimed at discussing the definition of such a term as exploitation which can be used by political leaders, journalists, scholars, and many other professionals. In particular, it is necessary to examine the historical definition of the notion and its connotations. Moreover, one should focus on the concepts that may have the meaning which is opposite to exploitation. Finally, it is important to provide cultural examples which illustrate how this concept is explored by various artists who can work in different fields. These are the main questions that should be analyzed. One can say that exploitation has mostly negative connotations. It is mostly associated with dishonesty, unscrupulous practices, and the failure to compensate for the efforts of others. This is the main argument that can be put forward.
Overall, this term has been historically defined as ‘the action or fact of treating someone unfairly to benefit from their work’ (Oxford Dictionaries). Moreover, this term has been described as the use of other people’s labor without providing adequate compensation for the work (Reiff 31). In the past, this notion was frequently used by politicians, sociologists, and the representatives of the labor movement. As a rule, this notion was used to describe the interactions between employers and employees who attempt to negotiate the most optimal form of partnership. This is one of the main aspects that can be identified. However, one should point out that this notion can be a mere synonym to the word usage. This is one of the main issues that should be taken into account.
On the whole, one can this concept has been associated with negative connotations. In most cases, the word exploitation usually includes such elements as 1) unfair advantage, 2) the inability of workers to raise their discontent; 3) dishonesty, and 4) unscrupulous methods of management (Wertheimer 32). Therefore, exploitation can be described as taking unfair advantage of people who are usually disempowered due to some reasons. This is why this notion has been associated mostly with unethical practices of people who may represent various areas of human activity. On the whole, the negative definition of exploitation has been the most popular one. It was widely used in various books and articles.
One can describe the process of exploitation in a step-by-step way. Very often, this behavior can be observed in various organizations and institutions. For instance, in many organizations, senior executives can rely on the ideas and recommendations of frontline managers without recognizing their compensation or offering them any rewards (Wertheimer 32). In this case, it is possible to identify such steps as the use of someone else’s ideas or work and the failure to reward or give credit to other professionals who cannot openly express their discontent with the policies of their superiors (Wertheimer 32). These are the main elements that can be singled out. They are vital for understanding this term.
It is difficult to provide a single antonym to this word exploitation. There are virtually no words that have the meaning which is directly opposite to this concept. This is one of the issues that should be taken into account. Nevertheless, one can provide several words or a word combination that can be used as antonyms to exploitation. For instance, one can mention fair compensation, empowerment of workers, honesty, and so forth. These notions are used to describe the ethical practices of managers. Nevertheless, one cannot say that these concepts are direct antonyms to the word of exploitation. This is the main limitation that should not be overlooked.
Furthermore, one can discuss various cultural examples in which such a notion as exploitation can be presented by film-makers, writers, artists, and so forth. Much attention should be paid to such films as Gone with the Wind or Glory (Bridges 10). To some degree, these cinematographic works describe how black slaves could be exploited by Southern planters. Apart from that, there are many books in which the notion of exploitation is explored. For instance, one can refer to such books as Uncle Tom’s Cabin written by Harriet Beecher Stowe or Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain. These authors show how a person could be exploited by the elites, who were mostly racist and egoistic. These works of art can throw light on various aspects of exploitation. This is why these books can be considered.
This discussion suggests that the definition of a term should be based on the analysis of its usage. Furthermore, one should look at the specific examples that can illustrate a concept. This principle can be applied to such a notion as exploitation. Apart from that, it may be useful to consider the terms that can be viewed as antonyms to a particular concept. The cases discussed in this paper suggest that exploitation can be regarded as taking unfair advantage of people or the failure to compensate workers for their efforts. These are the main elements that can be distinguished.
Works Cited
Bridges, Herb. “Frankly My Dear– “: Gone with the Wind Memorabilia, Macon: Mercer University Press, 1995. Print.
Oxford Dictionaries. Definition of exploitation in English. n. d. Web.
Reiff, Mark. Exploitation and Economic Justice in the Liberal Capitalist State, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2013. Print.
Wertheimer, Alan. Exploitation, Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1999. Print.