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The moral economy of solidarity: A study of the 2017 hunger strike in Mauritius

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  • Pratima Sambajee

Abstract

This article engages a moral economy (ME) approach with mobilisation theory (MT), using Sayer’s concept of lay morality to examine how solidarity was articulated and developed during a hunger strike. It argues that subjective moral evaluations and the historical context influenced solidarity and the outcomes of the strike. To explore this, a theoretical engagement between ME and MT found that solidarity was based on strong moral evaluations by workers and union leaders within a historically informed moral economy. The article confirms the analytical value of theoretically engaging ME and MT to provide a more fertile ground for understanding solidarity.

Suggested Citation

  • Pratima Sambajee, 2025. "The moral economy of solidarity: A study of the 2017 hunger strike in Mauritius," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 46(1), pages 96-117, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ecoind:v:46:y:2025:i:1:p:96-117
    DOI: 10.1177/0143831X241306210
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sharon C Bolton & Knut Laaser, 2020. "The Moral Economy of Solidarity: A Longitudinal Study of Special Needs Teachers," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 34(1), pages 55-72, February.
    2. Chris Yuill, 2007. "The Body as Weapon: Bobby Sands and the Republican Hunger Strikes," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 12(2), pages 111-121, March.
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    4. Glenn Morgan & Valeria Pulignano, 2020. "Solidarity at Work: Concepts, Levels and Challenges," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 34(1), pages 18-34, February.
    5. Jane Holgate & Melanie Simms & Maite Tapia, 2018. "The limitations of the theory and practice of mobilization in trade union organizing," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 39(4), pages 599-616, November.
    6. Sharon Bolton & Maeve Houlihan & Knut Laaser, 2012. "Contingent Work and Its Contradictions: Towards a Moral Economy Framework," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 111(1), pages 121-132, November.
    7. Melanie Simms & Deborah Dean, 2015. "Mobilising contingent workers: An analysis of two successful cases," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 36(1), pages 173-190, February.
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