The condition of the working class in the age of globalization

Abstract

Globalization is producing an international working class in itself if not for itself. Workers compete, directly or indirectly, in a global market although there remain clear differences such as the average hours worked per week. Even when their paycheques seem larger (nominal wages), workers have seen their share of what they produce decline (relative wages). The working class is more global in that a significant number of people leave home in search of employment in other countries while rural areas see flight to cities. Globalization has also often been accompanied by wholesale assaults on workers' rights. It is estimated that more than half the world's workers work in the underground economy with as many as 1.8 billion jobs. Globalization has led to a boom in sweatshops that exploit workers. Globalization, if not increasing unemployment, certainly does not eliminate it. Working-class resistance has been largely tame despite some impressive examples of labour militancy. The persistence of nationalism has certainly undercut efforts to build international solidarity. Capital, ever more international, can play workers off one against another within the context of a free market ideological hegemony. Facing an assault by the international capitalists more fierce than in decades, the working class has limited options.