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Normative Violence in Domestic Service: A Study of Exploitation, Status, and Grievability

Author

Listed:
  • Rohit Varman

    (University of Birmingham)

  • Per Skålén

    (Karlstad University)

  • Russell W. Belk

    (Kraft Foods Canada Chair in Marketing, York University)

  • Himadri Roy Chaudhuri

    (XLRI)

Abstract

This paper contributes to business ethics by focusing on consumption that is characterized by normative violence. By drawing on the work of Judith Butler this study of kajer lok—a female subaltern group of Indian domestic service providers—and their higher status clients shows how codes of status-based consumption shaped by markets, class, caste, and patriarchy create a social order that reduces kajer lok to “ungreivable” lives. Our study contributes to business ethics by focusing on exploitation and coercion in consumption rather than in production and of woman rather than of men. It adds to consumer research by revealing how social distinctions not only manifest in status contests in which symbolic power is at stake but also may produce violent exploitation and ungrievable lives.

Suggested Citation

  • Rohit Varman & Per Skålén & Russell W. Belk & Himadri Roy Chaudhuri, 2021. "Normative Violence in Domestic Service: A Study of Exploitation, Status, and Grievability," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 171(4), pages 645-665, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbuset:v:171:y:2021:i:4:d:10.1007_s10551-020-04444-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s10551-020-04444-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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