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‘No leg to stand on’: The moral economy of Australian industrial relations changes

Author

Listed:
  • Janis Bailey

    (Griffith University, Australia)

  • Fiona Macdonald

    (University of Queensland, Australia)

  • Gillian Whitehouse

    (University of Queensland, Australia)

Abstract

Labour law changes in Australia in 2006 significantly reconfigured industrial relations institutions and the balance of power in the employment relationship – in favour of employers and against the low-paid in particular. This article analyses the changes as they affected low-waged women workers, using a moral economy framework. While acknowledging the importance of material rewards, a moral economy perspective focuses on aspects of work that are not reducible to the terms of the market. The article analyses how women articulated the effects of the legislation, and how work institutions embody moral conceptions, demonstrating how labour law change can markedly disrupt the underlying, taken-for-granted moral economy.

Suggested Citation

  • Janis Bailey & Fiona Macdonald & Gillian Whitehouse, 2012. "‘No leg to stand on’: The moral economy of Australian industrial relations changes," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 33(3), pages 441-461, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ecoind:v:33:y:2012:i:3:p:441-461
    DOI: 10.1177/0143831X11419687
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Arnold, Thomas Clay, 2001. "Rethinking Moral Economy," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 95(1), pages 85-95, March.
    2. Di Zetlin & Gillian Whitehouse, 2003. "Gendering Industrial Citizenship," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 41(4), pages 773-788, December.
    3. Anna Chapman, 2006. "Unfair Dismissal Law and Work Choices: From Safety Net Standard to Legal Privilege," The Economic and Labour Relations Review, , vol. 16(2), pages 237-264, May.
    4. Francis Green, 2009. "Subjective employment insecurity around the world," Cambridge Journal of Regions, Economy and Society, Cambridge Political Economy Society, vol. 2(3), pages 343-363.
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